a patient having his teeth cleaned professionally

Dental Hygiene

Professional Teeth Cleaning vs At-Home Cleaning Method

Who doesn’t want a healthy, beautiful smile? We all know that regular brushing and flossing are essential for good dental hygiene – but even the most diligent home-cleaning methods can leave your teeth worse for wear. Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can ultimately lead to dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and […]

Who doesn’t want a healthy, beautiful smile? We all know that regular brushing and flossing are essential for good dental hygiene – but even the most diligent home-cleaning methods can leave your teeth worse for wear. Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can ultimately lead to dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and bad breath. 

Luckily, professional teeth cleaning can help to keep your white-and-pearlies looking truly pearly – and help fight against decay. Professional teeth cleaning is a non-invasive procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth, leaving them clean and polished.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the benefits of professional teeth cleaning and how it differs from at-home cleaning methods. We’ll also provide tips and tricks for maintaining good oral health between visits. So whether you’re considering professional teeth cleaning for the first time or looking to learn more about oral health maintenance, this post is for you. 

Why Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned Professionally?

Professional teeth cleaning offers cleanliness that cannot be achieved through regular brushing and flossing alone. During a professional cleaning, a dental hygienist will use specialised tools to remove tartar and plaque buildup that cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush.

Removing this buildup helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It also helps to keep your teeth looking their best by removing surface stains and brightening your smile.

How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

Most dentists recommend cleaning your teeth professionally at least once every six months. However, you might benefit from more frequent cleanings if you have a history of gum disease or other oral health issues.

How Long Does Professional Teeth Cleaning Take?

Depending on certain factors, a cleaning session usually takes 30 minutes and an hour. If there is a significant amount of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, for example, the cleaning may take longer. On the other hand, cleaning techniques for patients with sensitive teeth or gum are gentler and take slightly longer. Or you may have more extensive dental work, such as dental implants or bridges, which may require more time and attention during the cleaning. 

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About At-Home Teeth Cleaning?

One common misconception about at-home teeth cleaning is that using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing vigorously will clean your teeth better. Unfortunately, hard-bristled toothbrushes and aggressive brushing techniques can damage tooth enamel and irritate gums.

Another misconception is that using whitening toothpaste will make your teeth whiter. While whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains, it will not provide the same level of whitening as a professional tooth cleaning or a whitening treatment from a dental professional. In addition, in some cases, whitening toothpaste with microcrystals can be too abrasive and damage the enamel. 

Can You Deep Clean Your Teeth at Home?

The choices of at-home teeth cleaning products that claim to whiten your teeth are seemingly endless. While some of these methods can remove surface stains and help to maintain good oral health between visits, deep cleaning should always be left to a dental professional. In addition, attempting to clean your teeth at home deep can cause damage to your tooth enamel and irritate your gums.

Over-the-counter dental products or DIY remedies, such as baking soda, micro-crystal toothpaste or hydrogen peroxide, can cause more harm than good.

Using baking soda or other abrasive substances to scrub your teeth can remove the outer layer of your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. 

And using too much pressure or brushing too hard with your toothbrush can cause damage to your gums, leading to gum recession and potential tooth loss. A good tip is to focus on gently polishing your teeth rather than scrubbing them. 

What Are Some Good Tips Or Tricks For Maintaining Good Oral Health Between Visits?

To maintain good oral health between professional cleanings, brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing daily is vital. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

Eating a healthy diet that’s low in sugar, sweet drinks, and processed foods can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Finally, be sure to schedule regular dental checkups to catch any potential issues early and prevent more serious problems down the line.

How Much Does Professional Teeth Cleaning Cost?

Professional teeth cleaning costs vary depending on your location and dental provider. But remember that while at-home cleaning kits may be cheaper at the outset, they don’t come with the same robust regulations as professional dental clinics and can end up doing irreversible damage to your enamel and gums. 

Investing in professional teeth cleaning is the wisest choice for good oral health and a bright, shiny smile – and it may save you money in the long run by preventing more serious dental issues from developing.

Clean teeth matter

Professional teeth cleaning can also have positive effects on your overall health. Research has shown a link between gum disease and other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Keeping your gums healthy through regular cleanings may reduce your risk of these other health issues.

Professional teeth cleaning can also save you money in the long run. You can avoid costly and more invasive procedures by catching and addressing any potential dental issues early on. And a bright and healthy smile is a surefire way to improve your self-esteem and confidence.

Get in touch with Ollie & Darsh

At Ollie & Darsh, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care, including professional teeth cleaning services. Our experienced team of dental professionals uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure that your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned and cared for. We understand the importance of good oral health and are here to help you achieve and maintain it for a lifetime. So, if you’re looking for a trusted and reliable dental practice for your professional teeth cleaning needs, you can find out more about our teeth cleaning service and contact us via our website or our online booking form.


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