Professional teeth cleaning removes the tartar or calculus that develops in those hard to reach places even though you may brush and floss. We start by removing the hard calculus with tooth scaling and then we remove excess plaque with tooth polishing. The procedure usually takes about 40 minutes. We recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice every year. More frequent cleanings may be necessary depending on your dental health. Between dental cleanings, you should brush and floss your teeth daily to prevent cavities, tartar build up, and gum disease.