What is professional teeth cleaning and why is it important?

17 Aug 2024 7 min read No comments Professional Teeth Cleaning

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What is professional teeth cleaning and why is it so important? Here you can find out everything about the procedure, the benefits and the necessity.

Professional teeth cleaning is an essential part of preventive dental care that goes far beyond what you can achieve by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly at home.

It plays a crucial role in maintaining dental health and preventing dental disease.

But what exactly is professional teeth cleaning and why is it so important?

In this article you will learn everything you need to know about the procedure, the benefits and the necessity of the treatment.

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What is professional teeth cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning is a thorough cleaning of your teeth carried out by specially trained professionals, such as dentists or dental hygienists.

The aim of professional teeth cleaning is to remove all plaque and discoloration from the tooth surfaces that you cannot completely remove with daily oral hygiene.

These include plaque (soft, bacterial deposits) and tartar (hardened plaque), which prefer to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas such as between the teeth and along the gum line.

Man at the dentist - professional teeth cleaning

The process of professional teeth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning involves several steps aimed at thoroughly cleaning and caring for your teeth and gums.

Here is an overview of the typical steps involved in professional teeth cleaning:

  1. Examination and consultation: To begin with, the condition of your teeth and gums will be examined. Any problem areas will be identified and you will receive individual recommendations for improving your oral hygiene.
  2. Removal of tartar and plaque: Special instruments such as ultrasonic devices or hand instruments are used to remove stubborn deposits from the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. This is particularly important as tartar is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause gum inflammation and tooth decay.
  3. Cleaning the spaces between the teeth: The spaces between the teeth are thoroughly cleaned with dental floss or interdental brushes to remove even the last remnants of plaque. These areas are often difficult to access and are therefore particularly susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
  4. Polishing the teeth: After cleaning, the teeth are polished to smooth their surface. This prevents new plaque from accumulating so easily and at the same time gives the teeth a beautiful shine.
  5. Fluoridation: A fluoride gel or varnish is often applied at the end of professional teeth cleaning to strengthen the enamel and provide additional protection against tooth decay. This treatment makes your teeth more resistant to acids and bacteria.
  6. Final consultation: After the treatment, you will receive tips on dental care at home and we will discuss at what intervals it makes sense to have your teeth professionally cleaned again.
Young woman smiles radiantly - how do you get straight teeth?

Why is professional teeth cleaning important?

Professional teeth cleaning is much more than just a cosmetic treatment. It plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of dental diseases and helps to maintain your dental health in the long term.

Here are some of the main reasons why professional teeth cleaning is so important:

  1. Prevention of tooth decay: Thorough removal of plaque and tartar significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids and attack the tooth enamel. If it is removed regularly, the risk of tooth decay developing is reduced.
  2. Prevention of gum disease: Tartar and plaque can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and in advanced cases to periodontitis, a serious disease that destroys the periodontium. Professional teeth cleaning helps to remove these harmful deposits and keep the gums healthy.
  3. Fresh breath: Bad breath is often caused by bacteria that colonize dental plaque and tartar. Thorough cleaning reduces the number of bacteria, which contributes to fresh breath.
  4. Aesthetic benefits: Professional teeth cleaning not only removes plaque and tartar, but also superficial discoloration caused by the consumption of coffee, tea or tobacco. The result is brighter and smoother teeth.
  5. Preventive healthcare: Studies show that oral health is closely linked to general health. Diseases such as periodontitis can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regular professional teeth cleaning can therefore also contribute to general preventive healthcare.
Brush your teeth properly: Don't forget the dental floss

How often should professional teeth cleaning be carried out?

The frequency of professional teeth cleaning depends on your individual oral health.

It is generally recommended to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.

If there is an increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease, such as in people with periodontitis, more frequent cleaning may be advisable.

Your dentist or dental hygienist will advise you individually and determine the best rhythm for you.

Conclusion on the subject of professional tooth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning is an important part of preventive dental care that goes far beyond what you can achieve by brushing your teeth regularly at home.

It helps to prevent dental diseases, keep your teeth healthy and beautiful and even contributes to your general health.

If you want to safeguard your oral health in the long term, you should integrate professional teeth cleaning into your regular visits to the dentist. Your smile will thank you for it!

Get 150 € discount on your dental correction!
Woman holding aligner and smiling with thumbs up

Book a consultation appointment now at a nearby DrSmile partner practice and find out if teeth straightening with aligners is right for you.

The appointment is completely non-binding and does not involve any costs.

With the code “THATSMILE150” you will receive 150 € discount on the treatment.

FAQs on the topic of professional teeth cleaning

Here we answer a few of the most frequently asked questions on the subject of “professional teeth cleaning”.

What is a professional teeth cleaning (PZR)?

Professional teeth cleaning (PZR) is a thorough cleaning of the teeth carried out by specially trained professionals.
It removes hard and soft deposits such as tartar and plaque as well as discoloration that cannot be completely removed by normal brushing.

How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?

The general recommendation is to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.
If there is an increased risk of gum disease or tooth decay, it may be advisable to have your teeth cleaned more frequently.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will advise you individually on this.

Is professional teeth cleaning painful?

Professional teeth cleaning is not usually painful, but can be slightly uncomfortable if you have sensitive teeth or gums.
If this is the case, you can let the treatment team know in advance so that they can work particularly gently.
In some cases, anesthesia may also be offered.

What exactly is done during a professional dental cleaning?

During a professional dental cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed using special instruments.
The interdental spaces are then cleaned, the teeth polished and finally fluoridated to strengthen the tooth enamel.

What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, ensures fresh breath and removes superficial discoloration caused by foods such as coffee or tea.
In the long term, it helps to maintain your dental health and can even reduce the risk of systemic diseases.

Is professional teeth cleaning suitable for everyone?

Yes, professional teeth cleaning is generally suitable for everyone.
It is particularly important for people with an increased risk of dental disease, such as smokers, diabetics or people with a tendency to tartar build-up.
People with implants or braces also benefit from regular cleaning.

Does health insurance cover the cost of professional teeth cleaning?

The coverage of costs by health insurance companies varies.
Some statutory health insurance companies cover part of the costs or offer special bonus programs.
Private health insurance companies often reimburse professional teeth cleaning in full.
It is worth asking your health insurance provider.

How long does a professional dental cleaning take?

A professional dental cleaning usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the individual condition of your teeth and the extent of the cleaning required.

What should I consider after a professional tooth cleaning?

After a professional tooth cleaning, you should refrain from consuming strongly staining foods such as coffee, tea or red wine for a few hours to prevent the freshly cleaned teeth from becoming discolored again immediately.
The gums may also react sensitively temporarily, so it is advisable to brush particularly gently.

Are there any risks associated with professional teeth cleaning?

The risks associated with professional teeth cleaning are very low.
In rare cases, gum irritation or slight sensitivity of the teeth may occur.
These symptoms are usually temporary.
If you are particularly sensitive, discuss this before the treatment so that the cleaning can be adjusted accordingly.

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