The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning and checkup. Brushing and flossing are effective at keeping your mouth clean, but they aren’t enough to keep preventable issues at bay, like tooth decay and gum disease. A routine cleaning removes the buildup missed by your toothbrush and flossing. You don’t have to worry about a painful treatment because cleanings shouldn’t hurt. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment.