Regular teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist is recommended to remove tartar and plaque that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for a patient to reach on his own at home. 

Professional cleaning includes the removal of plaque, calculus and stain from the crown and root surfaces of teeth and polishing the teeth. Polishing the tooth will smooth the surface of the tooth and make it difficult for plaque to accumulate.