Many believe brushing alone keeps teeth clean, so why do so many pay for professional cleanings? Some even experience bleeding during the process—isn't that paying for discomfort? Does brushing truly fail to thoroughly clean teeth, leaving only professional cleaning as the solution? Experts at Jinan Shengbei Dental Hospital address this question.
Experts clarify that individuals with healthy teeth should not experience bleeding during scaling.Bleeding during scaling isn't caused by the dentist injuring the gums, but rather indicates pre-existing gum issues. After removing thick tartar buildup, even minor gum irritation can trigger bleeding. In fact, these individuals often experience red, swollen gums and bleeding during daily activities like brushing or eating fruits, sometimes noticing blood streaks. Therefore, bleeding typically occurs in those who neglect oral hygiene, brush poorly, or skip professional cleanings.
For patients with heavy tartar buildup, we generally recommend two cleaning sessions. During the initial cleaning, we remove only a portion of the tartar. After the patient returns home and the inflammation subsides, we perform a second cleaning. This approach helps minimize damage to the gums.Additionally, a medical history review is essential before scaling. This includes checking for systemic blood disorders and confirming whether female patients are menstruating. If gums are red, swollen, or painful, oral anti-inflammatory medication and several days of mouthwash use should precede scaling.
Some individuals experience sensitivity to cold, heat, acid, or sweet foods after scaling. This occurs because dentin becomes exposed after tartar removal. Patients with severe periodontitis may experience more pronounced symptoms, as they often require additional subgingival scaling. For those with tooth sensitivity, dentin desensitization treatment is recommended.After dentin restoration, symptoms will gradually subside. For persistent cases, pulp devitalization may be performed. Some worry about contracting infectious diseases during scaling. This concern is unnecessary when visiting a reputable, professional hospital. Currently, all reputable hospitals use disposable dental instruments that undergo strict sterilization. Each patient receives a dedicated set of scaling tools, and dentists adhere to sterile protocols, ensuring patients cannot contract infectious diseases.Those who contracted infections after scaling likely chose unprofessional dental clinics. In fact, scaling is a routine practice everyone should incorporate into their daily lives. Regular brushing alone cannot thoroughly eliminate bacteria. These bacteria pose significant risks and can severely compromise dental health. Therefore, even with excellent brushing habits, regular professional scaling at a reputable dental hospital is strongly recommended.