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Professional teeth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning is a dental procedure that removes tartar (calculus) and bacterial plaque from the surface of the teeth. Tartar is a hard deposit that forms when bacterial plaque is not effectively removed through brushing and flossing, and it mineralizes over time. Professional cleaning helps prevent gum conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and helps maintain oral health.

What is tartar?

While bacterial plaque (food debris) and staining can be removed through proper brushing, tartar (which is mineralized bacterial plaque) can only be removed by professional means. In addition to improper hygiene, factors such as the amount of saliva or the mineral content of the food consumed also contribute to tartar formation.

Consuming a large volume of liquids leads to the production of a greater amount of saliva, which helps naturally remove food particles temporarily deposited on the teeth. Some foods may contain a higher amount of mineral substances that deposit more easily on the teeth. However, the most common cause of tartar formation is improper hygiene, that is, incorrect brushing technique.

Once deposited on the tooth surface, tartar provides the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria responsible for gum disease. Moreover, teeth covered with tartar can no longer be cleaned properly and thus become prone to cavities. Tartar builds up on natural teeth as well as on fillings, dental bridges, dentures, or orthodontic appliances, inflames the gums, and can cause gingivitis and periodontitis.

Dental tartar can be located in several areas of the teeth and gums. Depending on where it forms, two main types of tartar are distinguished:

  • Supragingival tartar – located on the surface of the teeth, above the gum line. It can usually be seen as a whitish-yellow or brownish deposit, especially on the front teeth and those at the top of the mouth.
  • Subgingival tartar – located below the gum line, that is, in a place invisible to the naked eye. This type of tartar forms when bacterial plaque is not removed by brushing and accumulates under the gum. Subgingival tartar can lead to gum inflammation and, over time, to gum recession and exposure of the tooth root. If tartar remains deposited on the teeth for several months, there is a risk of developing cavities. Bad breath may also occur due to food debris.
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At Doctor White Clinic, professional teeth cleaning is performed in three stages:

1. Ultrasonic dental cleaning

The dentist uses an ultrasonic device to remove the hardest deposits – tartar. This procedure is painless, but if there is enamel hypersensitivity, local anesthesia is used to prevent discomfort. Ultrasonic devices produce mechanical vibrations at a very high frequency; these vibrations break down tartar deposits, and the water jet accompanying these vibrations removes the debris left after breaking up the tartar deposits, and also has a soothing effect on the gums.

The result of the cleaning is a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean in the future.

2. Dental Air Flow

Air Flow is a dental procedure that cleans teeth of any stains. After Air Flow cleaning, a slight whitening and shine effect appears on the teeth. The procedure is performed using a device that sprays a special substance onto the surface of the teeth at high speed. It contains sodium carbonate crystals, which clean the tooth enamel of stains or other deposits that could not be removed through professional cleaning and polishing, and it has a pleasant fruity taste.
Air Flow does not affect tooth enamel and does not cause abrasion or tooth sensitivity. It is recommended for anyone who wants to benefit from a professional teeth cleaning. For patients wearing braces, this is sometimes the only method of removing plaque and stains. Dentists recommend Air Flow cleaning every 6 months, after professional cleaning and polishing have already been performed. Complete removal of tartar and stains from the teeth guarantees the prevention of tooth decay and the long-term preservation of dental health.

3. Teeth polishing

The third stage of teeth cleaning involves polishing the teeth. The dentist will polish the teeth using an electric brushing tool and toothpaste. After polishing the teeth, the doctor will also perform interdental cleaning to reach hard-to-access areas. The tooth polishing process at the end of professional cleaning involves using not only tools but also several types of pastes with different degrees of abrasiveness. Besides abrasive particles, polishing pastes contain elements involved in strengthening the teeth.

Who needs professional teeth cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning is necessary for everyone who wants to maintain the health of their own teeth.

In which cases should you schedule a cleaning?
  • When you have persistent bad breath
  • If you have noticed pigmented spots on the enamel that may be caused by smoking, coffee, or other staining products
  • Before placing braces or dental implants
  • Before therapeutic treatment (incipient caries can sometimes be observed only after removing dental plaque)
  • To prevent periodontal disease (bacterial plaque causes the development of pathological periodontal processes)
  • In case of gum bleeding
  • Before installing prosthetic work
  • Before and After Orthodontic Treatment
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FAQ

QUESTIONS / ANSWERS

Professional teeth cleaning is a dental procedure that removes tartar (hard deposits on the teeth) and bacterial plaque that cannot be removed by daily brushing alone. It helps prevent gingivitis, periodontitis and other dental problems.