Whilst you’re visiting your dentist for a check-up, a routine scale and clean is beneficial to remove built up calculus and plaque from your teeth, which gathers above the gum line and under. Professional cleaning is essential for the overall health of your teeth and gums, it is the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Calculus is hardened plaque that has built up over time. Sadly, this cannot be removed with daily brushing and flossing and can only be removed by a dentist during a professional clean.