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.
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 imperfections, 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 irritation can damage the pulp, leading to inflammation.
Misconception 5: Older adults don't need dental cleanings since teeth will eventually fall out.Developed countries advocate the "8020" standard for elderly oral health, meaning individuals should retain 20 functional teeth by age 80. Therefore, maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for seniors to preserve healthy teeth. Dental plaque exacerbates periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis in the elderly, accelerating tooth deterioration.Statistics show that 60% of tooth loss is caused by periodontitis. The most effective way to prevent and halt periodontitis is through professional teeth cleaning.
Misconception 6: Why aren't my teeth as white as celebrities' after cleaning?
Natural tooth color has a slight yellowish tint. Teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar, not the tooth's inherent color. It's like cleaning a house, not painting it. Therefore, cleaning won't make teeth as white as celebrities'.Medically, simple yellowing or darkening of teeth is termed dental staining, categorized into extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Extrinsic staining refers to "external discoloration" caused by food pigments, tobacco stains, tea stains, etc. For such cases, scaling can significantly improve appearance, though it only restores the teeth's natural color.
Dental cleaning is fundamental to dental care, as essential as daily brushing. Certain stains, bacteria, and tartar cannot be fully removed by brushing alone. Regular professional cleanings maintain dental hygiene and health. We hope today's explanation helps you gain a renewed understanding of dental cleaning.