Naturally our mouths are full of bacteria, which have the ability to form a sticky, colourless “plaque” layer on the surfaces of our teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist help to get rid of this. If plaque is not removed, it turns into hard calculus “tartar” that brushing alone cannot remove. Only professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove this tougher layer.