Teeth Cleaning

Teeth Cleaning

In the presence of factors such as unilateral chewing and inability to brush teeth properly, plaque accumulates on the interfaces of the teeth and in the collar areas close to the gums. Over time, these plaques calcify with the effect of minerals in saliva and turn into dental stones. These cause discoloration and aesthetic problems on the teeth. Dental calculus is the main cause of not only aesthetic problems in the mouth but also gum diseases.

What can tartar cleaning lead to?

Dental calculus can also negatively affect the health of the teeth and surrounding gingival and bone tissues, leading to bad breath, hyperemic and bleeding gums, gingival recession, tooth mobility and tooth loss. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent the formation of dental calculus and to clean the formed dental calculus.

How is scaling performed?

Scaling is performed by a physician in dental clinics. This treatment involves cleaning the teeth using mostly ultrasonic devices and special hand tools when necessary. When the device is used correctly, it does not cause any abrasion or damage to the teeth. After teeth cleaning, we perform polishing to smooth the tooth surface and remove plaque. This reduces the area where plaque can adhere and leaves a flat, smooth and shiny surface.

Dental cleaning treatment is painless, short and comfortable for the patient. There is no age restriction for tartar removal. If there are fillings, coatings, prostheses in the mouth during teeth cleaning, cleaning is performed without causing any damage to them. This treatment takes an average of 30-45 minutes. This time varies depending on the density of tartar. Anesthesia is not needed for routine tooth cleaning. Sensitivity may be felt where there is gingival recession and gingivitis. In this case, this is relieved with numbing gel or spray.

Patients with hyperemic and inflamed gums may experience mild bleeding during the procedure. But there is nothing to be afraid of. This condition does not continue after the procedure. As the hyperemic and inflammation in the gums will decrease after dental cleaning, the gums will return to a healthier pink-colored appearance. Bad breath and bleeding caused by gum problems will decrease as they are treated. Since the discoloration of the teeth will go away, it will also have a fresher appearance.

What is deep tooth cleaning (curettage) treatment?

After scaling, if there are pockets in the teeth and calculus under the gums, cleaning and root surface smoothing, which we call subgingival curettage, may be required. As a result of the treatment, a hard and clean tissue is obtained on the tooth and root surface. By reducing the areas where plaque can adhere and eliminating the bacteria colonized in the area, the oral flora is improved. Anesthesia may be needed when we clean under the gums.

How often should tartar be removed?

Although the duration of the formation of dental calculus varies from person to person, depending on factors such as the patient's saliva content, structure, medications, smoking status, tooth brushing habits, eating habits, we recommend that you have your dental calculus cleaned every 6 months when deemed necessary during the examination performed by the dentist.

Why and how to clean the tongue?

Our tongue consists of a structure called papillae and has a surface that is very prone to bacterial accumulation. Tongue cleaning is achieved by brushing the tongue for 10 seconds with low rotation moving brushes or special apparatus.

Is there any harm in having it done during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the gums are more edematous and hyperemic due to hormones. For this reason, bleeding may be more than normal, but there is no harm. Preferably, you can have your oral care done between 3-6 months of pregnancy.

The following are the recommendations we will give to reduce and prevent the formation of dental calculus:

Brushing our teeth with the right technique 2-3 times a day for at least 2 minutes each.

Using dental floss at least 1 time a day. Thus, access to the interfaces of the teeth where the toothbrush cannot enter is provided.

Reducing the consumption of carbohydrate, sticky foods. Gaining the habit of brushing our teeth after consumption. Drinking a glass of water even if we are not in a condition to brush immediately.

Quitting smoking and tobacco products. These products increase tartar accumulation and discoloration.

Avoiding the use of abrasive toothpastes and products such as baking soda. Abrasions and scratches on the teeth will increase plaque and tartar accumulation on the teeth.

You should also not forget to clean the tongue.