Can teeth cleaning cause other harm?
Most people experience localized gum bleeding during cleaning, similar to everyday gum bleeding—it's a sign of inflammation. When tartar fragments detach from the tooth surface and contact inflamed gums, bleeding occurs. Thus, the amount of bleeding during cleaning also indicates the severity of inflammation.Additionally, the mixture of water sprayed from the scaling instrument and the patient's saliva during the procedure can create the illusion of excessive bleeding. After scaling, an antibacterial rinse is used to rinse and apply medication to reduce gum inflammation.Proper technique does not damage teeth. However, excessive pressure, high power settings, prolonged focus on a single spot, or scraping with the ultrasonic tip can damage the tooth's enamel surface.These issues typically arise when tartar is too stubborn to remove at standard power levels, and the operator has only a superficial understanding of ultrasonic scaling. They may prioritize achieving a "thorough clean" without considering the potential harm to the teeth.
Non-professionals at some small clinics or beauty salons, driven by efficiency and cost-effectiveness, often resort to such aggressive practices. Professional dental cleanings at specialized oral hospitals typically take 1 to 2 hours, whereas many small clinics and salons complete the procedure in just 20 to 30 minutes—the quality of results is predictable.
Additionally, many people experience tooth sensitivity for a day or two after cleaning, reacting to hot, cold, sour, or sweet stimuli. This primarily occurs because the tooth neck and root areas are inherently sensitive. After cleaning, the protective barrier provided by tartar is removed, suddenly exposing these areas to external factors. If this happens, there's no need to panic. Mild cases can gradually adapt by avoiding hot and cold stimuli for a few days. For more severe cases, visiting a hospital for desensitizing agent application treatment is recommended.