Professional teeth cleaning is recommended every six months for patients who have healthy teeth and gums. Patients who show the early signs of gum disease (gingivitis), as well as those in the more advanced stages of periodontitis, may need to undergo cleanings at our Gainesville, Florida dental office more frequently than this to ensure that the condition does not progress any further. The primary goal of teeth cleaning is to remove the plaque and tartar, also known as dental calculus that lead to periodontal disease (gingivitis).