Chinese citizens still lack sufficient awareness of dental care. Simply brushing daily does not guarantee dental health, and professional teeth cleaning is a fundamental part of oral hygiene. Traditional misconceptions about teeth cleaning among Chinese citizens often discourage people from seeking this service. Today, we aim to correct these misconceptions and help everyone understand teeth cleaning properly.
Four Common Misconceptions About Dental Cleaning
Misconception 1: Daily brushing eliminates the need for professional cleaning
"Dental cleaning," also known as supragingival scaling, involves using specialized instruments to remove supragingival calculus, plaque, and surface stains from teeth, followed by polishing to delay plaque and calculus re-accumulation."Many people mistakenly believe thorough brushing alone solves the problem," explains Lu Jie. "Dental cleaning is essential for oral health maintenance. No matter how diligently you brush, some areas inevitably remain inaccessible. Clinically, many patients appear to have clean teeth, yet oral examinations reveal plaque and mild dental deposits that can progress into calculus. Moreover, professional cleaning is an effective method to prevent or halt the progression of periodontal disease."
Misconception 2: You can go a long time between cleanings
Dental plaque, the primary culprit behind periodontal disease, continuously reforms on tooth surfaces after cleaning. Without regular removal, combined with the gradual mineralization of saliva, it eventually hardens into tartar and triggers periodontal issues. Therefore, it's generally recommended to get a professional cleaning annually after the permanent teeth emerge around age 16.If periodontal disease is detected after scaling, the dentist will develop a follow-up plan tailored to the patient's condition. For those already diagnosed with periodontitis or with poor gum health, scaling every six months is recommended. Additionally, smokers, diabetics, middle-aged and elderly individuals (especially women around menopause), those with poor oral hygiene habits, and people experiencing high fatigue due to excessive night work should all prioritize regular scaling.
Misconception 3: Teeth cleaning damages teeth
Many people worry that teeth cleaning wears away the enamel on the tooth surface.Experts explain that scaling leaves microscopic scratches on the tooth surface visible only under a microscope, but the tooth structure itself remains unaffected. Post-scaling polishing smooths these minor rough spots, reducing the likelihood of staining or tartar buildup. Some also fear "widening tooth gaps," which only occurs in individuals with significant tartar accumulation.Teeth naturally have gaps between them. Gum recession can even widen these spaces. However, tartar buildup and gum inflammation cause localized swelling that temporarily fills these gaps, making teeth appear tightly packed. Once tartar is removed during scaling, the gum swelling gradually subsides, making the gaps more noticeable.
Misconception 4: Teeth felt fine before, but now they're sensitive after cleaning
Some individuals may experience sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli for a period after cleaning, which is normal. This occurs because tartar previously shielded teeth from external stimuli; once removed, teeth become exposed to the environment, triggering sensitivity. For healthy teeth, this sensitivity typically subsides within one to two weeks post-cleaning.Note: Persistent sensitivity may indicate gum recession exposing tooth necks and dentin. Untreated, prolonged exposure can damage the pulp, leading to pulpitis.
What are the benefits of regular teeth cleaning?
As living standards rise and oral hygiene gains greater attention, teeth cleaning services—offering therapeutic, preventive, and cosmetic benefits—are increasingly accepted. However, questions arise about suitability and frequency: Is teeth cleaning right for me? How often should I get it done?
Regular teeth cleaning promotes oral health by removing tartar buildup.However, not everyone is suitable for dental cleaning. Individuals with infectious diseases or blood disorders should avoid it. For those with healthy gums, cleaning should not be too frequent—once every six months is recommended. Special cases like periodontal disease patients may require cleaning every three months.
Regular dental cleaning is one of the most effective measures to prevent periodontitis and other dental diseases. Experts note that some countries even implement mandatory measures to encourage dental cleaning."In some European countries, dental cleanings are tied to health insurance coverage. If individuals fail to undergo regular cleanings, the government may reduce their insurance benefits." This is because professional cleanings not only provide comprehensive oral hygiene but also enable early detection of other dental issues, facilitating timely treatment. A standard dental cleaning involves four steps: disinfection, scaling, air polishing, and polishing."Currently, some small clinics only perform scaling without polishing, which is fundamentally unprofessional. Some individuals, seeking to save money or for convenience, go to these small clinics or beauty salons for teeth cleaning. However, such unregulated, quick cleanings can lead to adverse consequences, such as damaging enamel and gums, worsening periodontal disease, and causing cross-infection due to inadequate sterilization."