All about professional dental cleaning and prophylaxis
Preventing the development of dental cavities must begin as early as the temporary dentition. Untimely loss or infections of temporary teeth can have serious consequences and affect the permanent dentition, leading to crowded teeth, malposition, changes in the form and color of permanent teeth.
A key moment is represented by the eruption of the first permanent molar at the age of six, behind all temporary teeth. Immediately after eruption, this molar must be sealed. Likewise, at twelve years old, when the second permanent molar erupts, sealing of dental grooves and pits is necessary.
We recommend that patients with healthy gums should receive a professional dental cleaning every six months. In patients with periodontal lesions or orthodontic appliances, we consider that prophylaxis must be made once every three months.
Professional dental cleaning involves the removal of calculus using an ultrasound device, of stains, discoloration and bacterial plaque with the help of the airflow (a bicarbonate powder with fruity flavor dispersed at high speed on the teeth). These are then followed by polishing dental surfaces through professional brushing, disinfection with mouthwash and fluoride treatment. We insist on giving our patients the best advices on maintaining a healthy oral hygiene. We recommend vertical brushing, the use of mouthwash, dental flossing and changing the brush once every three months.
Curiosities about dental hygiene
What is dental prophylaxis?
Professional dental cleaning involves the removal of calculus (scaling), airflow, professional brushing and fluorination. Our dental clinic offers all prophylaxis treatments in order to prevent the development of oral lesions.
Why Is professional dental cleaning so important?
Dental prophylaxis prevents the development of cavities, gingivitis and other oral lesions, by removing bacterial plaque and calculus that can not be eliminated just by daily at home brushing at least twice a day.
How often should professional dental cleaning be made?
It is recommended that professional dental cleaning be performed once every 6 months. In patients with periodontal problems, the time between cleanings can be reduced to 3-4 months, according to the indications given by the dentist.
Professional prophylaxis – is it painful?
This procedure is generally not painful. If the patient presents with dental sensibility or gum problems, the dentist can use special methods to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the intervention.
What happens during a professional cleaning session?
A complete session includes the procedure of scaling for the removal of calculus, professional brushing and airflow for the removal of discoloration, as well as fluoride treatment for the protection of tooth enamel.
What type of brush should we use?
We recommend the use of a manual brush of medium hardness and vertical brushing that includes massage of the gums. We recommend that the brush be changed once every 3 months.