Dental hygiene
Dental hygiene treatments
Ultrasonic cleaning
Today, ultrasonic cleaning is one of the most commonly used methods in dental practices to remove tartar. The procedure uses an ultrasonic cleaner that emits very fast vibrating sound waves. These vibrations create tiny air bubbles in the water jet, which are emitted by the device. The bubbles gently separate the tartar from the tooth surface without damaging the tooth enamel. The ultrasonic process is effective, fast and usually less painful than traditional mechanical methods.
Tooth cleaning and polishing
Tooth cleaning and polishing is designed to remove plaque, tartar and discolouration on the surface of the teeth. Tooth cleaning is usually carried out with professional tools by dental hygienists or dentists. After removing plaque and small tartars, teeth are polished using a special paste and a rotating brush or rubber brush. Polishing helps eliminating minor surface scratches, smoothes the tooth surface and reduces the risk of plaque and tartar reformation.
Gum and pouch treatment
Gingival and periodontal treatments are used to treat periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, it removes tartar and bacteria from the pockets between the teeth and gums. In more severe cases, a deeper cleaning, called root planing, may be needed, during which the dentist or dental hygienist thoroughly cleans the roots of the tooth under the gums. This helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the gums.
Oral hygiene advice
Oral hygiene advice is an important part of dental hygiene care. Dentists or dental hygienists provide guidance on correct brushing and flossing techniques and other oral hygiene practices. Individualised advice may include suggestions for appropriate dental care appliances (e.g. toothbrushes, flosses, interdental brushes) and the use of mouth washes if necessary. Lifestyle advice, such as proper nutrition and avoiding smoking, is also part of the programme.
Together, these procedures and tips can help keep teeth and gums healthy and prevent more serious dental problems.
Negative health consequences of neglecting dental cleaning
Neglecting dental plaque removal can have a number of negative health consequences that can affect not only the oral cavity, but also the whole body.
For example:
- Gingivitis: Accumulated tartar can irritate the gums, which can lead to inflammation. The gums become red, swollen and bleed when brushing or flossing. Gum inflammation left untreated in time can lead to more serious periodontal disease.
- Periodontitis: can develop as a result of neglecting gum disease. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can lead to the receding and gradual destruction of the bone surrounding the teeth. This can cause loosening and eventual loss of teeth.
- Tooth loss: untreated periodontitis causes damage to the bone tissue and gums that keep teeth stable, which can lead to loosening and loss of teeth.
- Bad breath (halitosis): tartar and bacterial growth can lead to bad breath. Chronic halitosis often refers to a lack of cleanliness of the oral cavity.
- Aesthetic problems: tartar can be discoloured by different food, drinks and smoking, which can be aesthetically displeasing.
- Diseases caused by poor oral hygiene: a growing body of research is finding links between oral health and other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and premature birth.
- Effects on general health: various bacteria and inflammatory substances that enter the bloodstream can have negative effects on other organs, increasing the risk of certain diseases or aggravating existing conditions.
So, regular dental scaling and good oral hygiene are not only essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but are also important for our overall health.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings can help prevent the problems mentioned above.
How is dental scaling done at DENTYS?
Ultrasonic dental scaling, also known as dental cleaning, is a common dental procedure used to remove tartar and plaque that has built up on teeth.
Ultrasonic scaling is performed with special equipment and usually consists of the following steps:
1. Preparation: the dentist or dental hygienist will perform a thorough examination of the oral cavity to assess the condition of the teeth and gums, and to determine the amount of tartar and the need for the procedure.
2. Use of ultrasonic scaler (depurator): an ultrasonic scaler is a water-cooled, vibration-operated instrument that emits rapid, tiny vibrations. These vibrations help loosen and remove tartar and plaque from the tooth surface and below the gum line.
3. Water spray: the water spray emitted by the device cools the teeth and the nozzle and helps to wash away plaque and bacteria from the oral cavity. This also keeps the field of vision clear for the practitioner.
4. Manual scaling: to remove tartar chips left in hard-to-reach places, the dentist or dental hygienist can use manual tools. This ensures complete cleaning and smoothness of the teeth.
5. Polishing: After removal, the teeth are filled with polishing compound and polished smooth to remove any surface irregularities where plaque could easily adhere later.
6. Fluoride treatment (optional): sometimes the treatment ends with a fluoride gel or solution, which strengthens the tooth enamel and protects against future damage.
The procedure is painless, but there may be some discomfort and sensitivity, especially if the gums are inflamed or the teeth have become sensitive.
Nevertheless, ultrasonic scaling is a quick and effective way to treat tartar build-up and can significantly improve the health of the oral cavity.
The frequency is determined by the practitioner based on the patient’s individual needs and oral hygiene habits.