Cleaning your teeth every day at home, while important, is only part of a successful routine. Visiting your dentist at least once a year may help ensure a healthy mouth. Your dentist will use professional instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up that you are generally unable to efficiently clean yourself. Combining regular brushing and flossing with an annual dentist’s office visit will not only give you a more confident smile, but it will also help protect you from tooth decay, tooth loss, and periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.