Brushing and flossing every day is a great start, but it is hard to reach all areas that plaque and bacteria can hide. Oral cleanings help prevent gum disease, plaque build-up, bad breath and even cancer. It is best to have your teeth cleaned once every 6 months or every 3 months, if you have gum disease. Cleanings consist of scaling, polishing, and applying fluoride to strengthen the tooth’s enamel, all of which will help keep your teeth healthy.