www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF6BSEmncqo After inspecting the teeth, the dental expert will normally continue to examine the basic condition of the gums. If the dental professional can discover deep clinical depressions (or pockets), he or she may presume that a person has gum disease. After cleaning, many dental hygienists will polish the teeth. Polishing of the teeth smooths and cleans the teeth's surface areas, eliminating irritating discolorations and making the teeth more resistant to plaque.