Since childhood, dentists have been teaching us about oral hygiene. However, according to dental professionals, the level of oral hygiene remains quite low.
Poor oral care contributes to the development of soft dental plaque, where bacteria quickly adhere to the tooth surface, rapidly multiply, and release toxins that cause gum inflammation. This inflammation, in turn, leads to bleeding and the deepening of periodontal pockets. If no treatment is provided at this stage, the plaque starts to mineralize, turning into tartar (calculus), which grows both toward the crown and the root, disrupting the tooth-gum attachment. Eventually, the tooth becomes loose and may need to be extracted. Treating advanced periodontitis is nearly impossible.
Simply knowing about and using oral hygiene products does not always ensure proper oral care. Random use of various mouthwashes, toothpastes, gels, and whiteners can alter the composition and properties of oral fluids.
That is why individual instruction on oral hygiene from a dental professional is essential for each patient.
Visiting the dentist twice a year reduces the risk of gum disease by 80% and decreases the number of cavities by 40%.
Removal of Dental Calculus
A dental hygienist first performs a professional cleaning (removing supragingival and subgingival calculus, as well as pigmented plaque from teeth). This is done using ultrasonic cleaning, professional polishing pastes, rubber cups, and also air-abrasive polishing (AIRFLOW) until the patient feels a smooth and even tooth surface. Afterwards, the teeth are coated with a protective varnish.
The patient is then trained in proper tooth and tongue brushing techniques. Tongue cleaning is an essential part of oral hygiene. Regular toothbrushes are too large and may cause gagging — special brushes and scrapers are used instead. The dentist will also help select the appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, and additional hygiene tools such as dental floss, oral irrigators, and mouth rinses.
Proper dental care, oral hygiene, and cavity prevention are not only more pleasant, but also — importantly in today’s world — a key to your confidence and success.