Professional teeth cleaning: why, how often and does it hurt

Even with diligent home care, plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, and only professional cleaning removes them. We explain why it is needed, how often to do it and whether it really hurts.

Why professional cleaning is needed

• removal of tartar and pigmentation that a brush cannot remove;
• prevention of caries and gum disease;
• fresh breath and the natural whiteness of enamel;
• preparation for treatment, orthodontics or whitening.

How often to have cleaning done

Basically — once every 6 months. If you tend to form tartar quickly, have bruxism or wear braces, hygiene should be done more often — every 3–4 months.

How the procedure goes

• ultrasonic removal of tartar;
• Air Flow cleaning to remove plaque and pigmentation;
• polishing the tooth surface;
• applying fluoride varnish to strengthen the enamel.

All of this takes 40–60 minutes in one visit.

Does it hurt and is it harmful

The procedure is painless. Sometimes short-term sensitivity occurs with thin enamel — it passes within a few days. Air Flow powder is softer than enamel, so the method is safe for both fillings and veneers.