When it comes to teeth cleaning, people are no strangers to it. However, opinions on the matter vary widely. Many believe that after a cleaning, they experience discomfort such as wider gaps between teeth, increased sensitivity, and bleeding gums, leading them to think it's money down the drain. In reality, teeth cleaning is an effective and simplest way to maintain oral health.
Although people brush their teeth daily, this alone cannot thoroughly clean them. The area between the gums and the tooth root is not tightly attached, featuring a shallow groove of 0.5–2 millimeters known as the gingival sulcus.Food debris easily accumulates in this hard-to-reach area. When trapped, it combines with saliva to form plaque that adheres to tooth surfaces, leading to gingivitis, periodontitis, and bad breath. Professional instruments are therefore needed to remove tartar, plaque, and stains from tooth surfaces, delaying their re-accumulation. This medical procedure is called supragingival scaling, commonly known as teeth cleaning.
Teeth cleaning offers numerous benefits. During the procedure, a comprehensive examination of teeth and oral mucosa allows for early detection of oral health issues. It also helps prevent gum and periodontal diseases while combating bad breath. Post-cleaning tooth surface polishing smooths enamel, reducing plaque adhesion. It is recommended to undergo professional teeth cleaning every six months to a year.
Preparations before teeth cleaning:
Select a professional, accredited hospital or clinic for scaling. Strictly adhere to the "one patient, one set of sterilized instruments" protocol to ensure hygiene and safety.
Undergo four immunological tests (HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Syphilis) prior to scaling. Both practitioner and patient should implement protective measures.
Patients with cardiac pacemakers should avoid ultrasonic scaling. Manual scaling is recommended to prevent electromagnetic interference.However, patients with newer pacemakers featuring barrier protection may undergo ultrasonic scaling.
For patients with respiratory conditions, consider omitting the post-scaling air polishing procedure as appropriate.
Post-scaling precautions:
Avoid vigorous suctioning, frequent rinsing, or spitting after scaling to prevent negative pressure from exacerbating bleeding.
Avoid using toothpicks for one week to prevent unexpected bleeding.
If teeth feel rough or dry after scaling, this is due to the removal of the protective mucoprotein layer from saliva on the tooth surface. Within a few hours, the surface will become smooth again as saliva proteins reattach.
Avoid overly spicy, acidic, or cold foods for several days to a week after scaling to prevent tooth sensitivity. If sensitivity occurs, remain calm and use desensitizing toothpaste; symptoms typically improve within about a month.
After scaling, teeth may appear longer or gaps between teeth seem larger. This occurs because inflamed gums have reduced swelling and regained some health—a normal phenomenon requiring no undue concern. Maintain long-term effective brushing and flossing to preserve gum health.