Brushing and flossing the teeth at least twice a day helps to neutralize a majority of the microbes in the mouth. It is recommended that individuals use a medium-soft bristled toothbrush along with a fluoride-rich toothpaste for maximum effectiveness. But, irrespective of how thoroughly you brush, microbes can get stuck in the hard-to-reach spots on the teeth. Over time, they form dark, sticky patches called tartar, which is almost impossible to get rid of by brushing.

The plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth have to be removed at regular intervals. This is the main reason dentists recommend visiting them for a routine consultation at least once every six months. If not, tartar can erode the enamel to form cavities and even decay the gums, giving rise to gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

The process of removing the adhered microbes is carried out in two processes - scaling and root planing. Cleaning the tooth crowns is done through scaling, and the tooth roots are cleaned by root planing. The dentist uses a hand-held, ultrasonic scaling device for the purpose. The scaling tip is made from metal, and it dislodges the tartar deposits by vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies. Root planing is carried out using a hook-like scaling appliance that is inserted in between the tooth roots and gums. Since the procedure can be painful, the dentist will administer local anesthesia before starting it to numb the tissues.