Professional oral hygiene is a procedure during which accumulated deposits are removed from the teeth and gums. These may be food debris, soft plaque and hard tartar. This procedure is a very important preventive measure against tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and bad breath.

Why is dental care at home alone not enough?

Even if you brush your teeth carefully at home, it is still very important to have professional oral hygiene regularly. An ordinary toothbrush does not always reach the most remote corners. Deposits then gradually build up and harden there, and are difficult to remove without professional instruments. In addition, dirt accumulates under the gums too, so it is not obviously visible. The longer deposits accumulate, the better the conditions created for the multiplication of bacteria that cause caries and gum diseases. 

During professional oral hygiene, pigment deposits are also cleaned off the teeth, so the teeth become whiter.

How is professional oral hygiene carried out?

During the procedure, the oral hygienist uses special tools to remove the soft and hard deposits accumulated on the tooth surface and at the gums. Cleaning is carried out using an ultrasonic scaler and/or metal instruments called curettes. The ultrasonic scaler is a handheld tool with a small tip that vibrates at a very high frequency. This makes it possible to easily break up hardened deposits without damaging the tooth. Curettes are curved, tapering hand instruments that help reach the smallest gaps. They are often used for patients who have especially sensitive teeth. Finally, the teeth are polished with a rotating brush that has a soft rubber tip. Beforehand, they are coated with a special paste. As it rotates, the tip gently polishes the teeth, so they become smooth and shiny. 

How long does oral hygiene at the dentist's office take?

Professional oral hygiene takes from half an hour to an hour and a half. The exact duration of the procedure depends on the number of teeth, the amount of soft and hard deposits, and the patient's sensitivity.

How often should this procedure be carried out?

Usually professional oral hygiene is recommended 1-2 times a year. However, every patient is different, and the frequency of visits depends on personal oral-hygiene skills, the products used, smoking or simply a tendency for hard deposits to accumulate. After the procedure, the oral hygienist will always recommend the next visit time.