Today I would like to talk to you about professional dental hygiene. We all know how important dental care is, but brushing your teeth twice a day simply isn't enough to maintain healthy teeth in the long run. A regular professional dental hygiene treatment helps prevent cavities and other dental problems and preserve the health of your teeth and gums. In addition to your biannual check-up with your dentist, it is the ideal preventive measure.
I recommend having a professional dental hygiene treatment every six months to keep your teeth and gums in the best possible condition. In principle, however, the frequency of dental hygiene varies from person to person – six months is the standard!
What Is a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment?
A professional dental hygiene treatment is a dental procedure in which dental deposits, tartar, and other build-up are removed from the teeth. The goal is to prevent cavities and gum disease. However, it is also important to brush your teeth regularly and maintain a healthy diet to prevent cavities.
Here Are 6 Reasons Why You Should Get a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment:
#1: Prevention of Cavities:
A professional dental hygiene treatment removes stubborn dental deposits and plaque that cannot always be completely removed even with thorough dental care. This significantly reduces the risk of cavity formation. Dental deposits and plaque are the main causes of cavities. If they are not removed, they can lead to cavities and other dental problems in the long term. A professional dental hygiene treatment helps remove these harmful deposits and keep your teeth clean and healthy.
#2: Healthy Gums
A professional dental hygiene treatment also contributes to maintaining the health of your gums. Inflammation of the gums can lead to periodontitis, a condition that in turn can lead to tooth loss. Regular professional dental hygiene treatment can help detect and treat gum disease early. This reduces the risk of periodontitis and keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
#3: Prevention of Bad Breath:
A professional dental hygiene treatment can also help prevent bad breath. When dental deposits and plaque accumulate on your teeth, they can cause unpleasant odours. Through a professional dental hygiene treatment, these deposits are removed, and your breath becomes fresher and cleaner.
#4: Teeth Whitening
A professional dental hygiene treatment can help brighten your teeth. When dental deposits and plaque accumulate on your teeth, they can discolour your teeth and make them look yellow. Through a professional dental hygiene treatment, these deposits are removed, and your teeth will look brighter and more radiant again.
#5: Preservation of Dental Restorations
If you have dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants, it is particularly important to have regular professional dental hygiene treatments. Deposits can accumulate on the dental restorations, which can lead to damage or infections. A professional dental hygiene treatment helps keep the dental restorations clean and hygienic and extend their lifespan.
#6: Professional Advice
During the professional dental hygiene treatment, you can also receive valuable dental care tips from your dentist. Your dentist can show you how best to care for your teeth to keep them healthy and avoid dental problems.
Overall, there are many reasons why you should have regular professional dental hygiene treatments. It is a simple and painless way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid dental problems in the long term. Book an appointment for a professional dental hygiene treatment today and ensure a radiant smile!
https://ordination.drlhotka.com/appointments
How Often Should You Get a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment?
How often you should get a professional dental hygiene treatment depends on various factors, such as your age, your general health, your lifestyle, and your dental status. As a rule, dentists recommend that you have a professional dental hygiene treatment every six months. For some people, however, a shorter or longer interval between treatments may be advisable.
If you already have dental problems or gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you come more frequently to ensure that your condition does not worsen. Your dentist will, however, always give you an individual recommendation based on your needs.
What Does a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment Involve?
A professional dental hygiene treatment normally begins with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. You will be checked for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems, and X-rays will be taken for a more precise diagnosis. X-rays should be taken routinely at least once a year.
Then your dentist or professionally trained dental hygienist will use special instruments and techniques to clean your teeth and gums. Tartar, plaque, and other deposits that accumulate on your teeth over time are removed. Your teeth are then polished to make them smooth and clean.
In some cases, a fluoride treatment may also be carried out to strengthen your teeth and protect them against cavities.
Is a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment Painful?
No, a professional dental hygiene treatment should not be painful. However, there may be some discomfort when tartar is removed. Please let us know if you are anxious about this treatment. My team is specially trained to handle anxious patients with particular care. It is even possible to use anaesthesia for relaxation.
How Can I Prepare for a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment?
I recommend brushing your teeth thoroughly before the treatment and not consuming any strongly flavoured food or drinks. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, please let us know in advance! It is also important, however, to avoid consuming any staining foods or drinks for several hours after the treatment (tea, coffee, tomatoes, etc.)
What Are the Benefits of a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment?
A professional dental hygiene treatment can prevent cavities and gum disease, remove dental deposits and discolouration, and ensure better oral health.
How Much Does a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment Cost?
The cost of a professional dental hygiene treatment can vary depending on the region and dental practice. Typically, the cost ranges between 100 and 250 euros per hour.
Are There Risks or Side Effects Associated with a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Generally, professional dental hygiene treatments are very safe and carry only minimal risks or side effects. However, temporary sensitivity or gum bleeding may occur.
How Long Does a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment Take?
The duration of a professional dental hygiene treatment depends on the individual situation. Typically, a treatment lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
Can You Have a Professional Dental Cleaning During Pregnancy?
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy and to have regular dental examinations to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Poor oral health can increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect the teeth and gums and lead to increased susceptibility to inflammation in the mouth. This can lead to a gum condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Untreated pregnancy gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease, periodontitis, which can pose a risk not only to the mother but also to the unborn child.
Through regular dental hygiene treatments and dental examinations, potential problems can be detected and treated early to minimise the risk of complications during pregnancy. Good oral hygiene is also important for the overall health of the mother and child.
Can You Perform a Professional Dental Hygiene Treatment Yourself?
A professional dental hygiene treatment should always be performed by a qualified professional, as they have the necessary knowledge and appropriate tools. Self-treatment can lead to damage to teeth and gums. What you can do, however, is continue your care at home – by using high-quality care products and interdental brushes or dental floss. This is crucial, because the spaces between teeth are often where bacteria thrive and cause disease. This is precisely why I developed the 3-step dental care series "Dr. Lhotka Vienna Organics". This way, you can extend the results of your professional dental hygiene treatment at home!
Who Is Authorised to Perform Dental Hygiene Treatments?
In Austria, dental hygiene treatments may be performed by dentists and dental hygienists. Dental hygienists are specially trained dental professionals who can carry out preventive measures under the supervision of a dentist. The specific regulations may vary from province to province.
In Austria, a completed vocational training as a dental assistant is a prerequisite for further training as a dental hygienist. The advanced training to become a dental hygienist is usually completed alongside employment and takes 1 to 2 years.
In Germany, dental hygiene treatments may be performed by dental professionals. These include, in particular, dentists, dental hygienists, and qualified dental assistants (ZFA) with the additional qualification of "Prophylaxis Assistant" or "Oral Hygiene Assistant".
In Germany, a completed training as a qualified dental assistant (ZFA) is a prerequisite for further training as a dental hygienist. The advanced training to become a dental hygienist usually takes 1 to 2 years and includes both theoretical and practical content. After successfully completing the advanced training, the dental hygienist receives a certificate and is authorised to carry out specialised oral hygiene measures such as professional dental cleanings and to advise patients on oral hygiene matters.
How Can I Improve My Oral Hygiene?
In addition to regular professional dental hygiene treatments, there are many things you can do to improve your oral hygiene and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque between your teeth.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
- Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products.
By following these tips and attending regular professional dental hygiene treatments, you can improve your oral health and keep your smile radiant and healthy.