Tooth decay and gum disease are not inevitable. With thorough daily care, you lay the foundation for lifelong oral health. In addition, we recommend a professional cleaning every six months. Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, not every area in your mouth can be reached effectively at home – over time, tartar can build up, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. We are happy to show you the proper brushing technique and welcome you to our practice for professional cleaning. This applies to children as well, because those who learn proper brushing habits early on give tooth decay no chance.
What does children’s cavity prevention look like?
At Dental Centrum Bethanien, we place great importance on your child’s oral health. During check-ups, we assess the condition of the teeth and gums and provide you and your child with useful advice for optimal dental care.
From as early as six months of age, an initial oral health check can be carried out. We provide guidance on proper dental care and nutrition from infancy, as well as on the use of fluoride treatments. We also assess each child’s individual risk of tooth decay and perform preventive measures such as cleaning and fluoride application.
The first preventive treatment can take place around the age of three as part of an early dental check-up. Between the ages of six and eleven, we recommend an annual oral hygiene review. We teach correct brushing techniques, introduce additional hygiene practices, and explain how to use fluoride effectively and clean interdental spaces. Additional protection is provided by fluoride treatments and sealing of the permanent molars.
How can adults protect themselves from tooth decay and gum disease?
It’s completely normal for food particles and bacteria to form deposits on your teeth. Over time, these deposits create a rough tooth surface – the perfect environment for bacteria to accumulate. This eventually attacks the enamel, dissolving it and leading to the formation of gum pockets. Regular check-ups every six months are just as important for your oral health as proper daily care. Brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning between them with dental floss and interdental brushes, and using a tongue cleaner provide an effective foundation for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Weekly fluoride treatments and a healthy diet also help to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Even the best at-home care has its limits. That’s where professional cleaning comes in. Our experienced team helps you optimise your oral hygiene further, reaching areas that are difficult to clean at home – such as the back molars and interdental spaces.
When is professional teeth cleaning recommended?
Daily home care alone isn’t enough to remove all food residues completely. Over time, plaque and tartar build up in hard-to-reach areas, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. These bacteria can lead to tooth decay and/or gum disease (periodontitis). During a professional cleaning, we remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria, reducing your risk of decay and inflammation. Patients with healthy teeth and gums benefit just as much as those with a higher risk of tooth decay or periodontitis. If you have crowns, bridges, or implants, professional cleaning helps protect your dental restorations and extend their lifespan.
We generally recommend professional cleaning twice a year, ideally as part of your regular dental check-ups. Increasingly, health insurance providers are recognising the benefits of professional teeth cleaning and are reimbursing part of the cost.
How does professional cleaning work?
Using professional instruments such as ultrasonic devices and specialised cleaning materials, we first remove plaque and tartar. For stubborn discolouration, we use air-polishing equipment. Then, with brushes, floss, and various instruments, we thoroughly clean between the teeth and along the tongue. Finally, we polish the enamel to make it smooth again – this makes it harder for bacteria to settle. A fluoride varnish is applied at the end to provide optimal protection for your teeth.
What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Thanks to fluoride treatment, your teeth are better protected against bacteria and acid attacks. It also allows us to detect any irregularities in your teeth, oral flora, or mucous membranes at an early stage. The risk of certain general health conditions can also be reduced through professional cleaning. By removing plaque and reducing the number of harmful bacteria – which can enter the bloodstream from the mouth – professional cleaning contributes to your overall health. It also leaves you with fresher breath. Stains caused by tea, coffee, red wine, or smoking are effectively removed, leaving your teeth sparkling clean and bright again.
How often should professional teeth cleaning be done?
We generally recommend having professional teeth cleaning twice a year to achieve optimal, long-lasting results for your oral health.
Why isn’t tartar removal alone enough?
A professional cleaning is much more thorough than simple tartar removal. During a professional session, we clean not only all tooth surfaces but also the spaces between your teeth. In contrast, tartar removal focuses only on specific teeth where deposits have formed.
How long does professional teeth cleaning take?
The duration of the treatment depends on your individual dental situation. If you have a lot of tartar or deeper gum pockets, the procedure may take longer. On average, a full cleaning, including oral hygiene advice and examination, takes about one hour.
My teeth feel sensitive after professional cleaning. Should I be worried?
It’s normal for your teeth to feel slightly more sensitive for a day or two after a professional cleaning. There’s no need for concern – this sensitivity usually fades quickly on its own.
