Zahnpflege & Mundhygiene

Professional teeth cleaning

Professionelle Zahnreinigung

Dentists recommend professional tooth cleaning (PZR) at least once a year. This is both to prevent tooth decay and to avoid dangerous gum inflammation. Professional tooth cleaning is also recommended after periodontal treatment to prevent recurring inflammation.

Cleaning your teeth thoroughly means, first and foremost, taking care of your teeth and gums properly. This includes removing bacterial plaque and caring for your gums. Bacteria and their metabolic products attack not only your teeth, but also the sensitive periodontal tissue. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontal tissue) are often the result.

Plaque can often be located with the tongue. The surface of the teeth feels uneven, rough or furry. This plaque can be removed very effectively from the teeth and the gaps between them by thorough cleaning. However, if the plaque is hardened, it is difficult to remove it completely by simply brushing your teeth. In this case, professional teeth cleaning by a dentist is recommended.

The costs for removing tartar are covered by statutory health insurance. For people with disabilities and people in need of care, statutory health insurance covers the treatment twice a year. In addition to removing tartar, dentists also offer professional teeth cleaning. However, professional teeth cleaning is not a standard service. This means that the costs are borne by the patient. Some health insurance companies subsidize this service as a preventive measure.

How does professional teeth cleaning work?

Professional teeth cleaning involves several steps. It consists of cleaning, polishing and fluoridation. First, all plaque is removed. The removal is usually done very gently using ultrasound. Hard and soft plaque is softened by the dentist using the latest ultrasound technology. Even hard-to-reach areas and between the teeth and along the gum line are cleaned. In addition to ultrasound technology, dental floss, sandpaper and fine brushes are used.

Once cleaning is complete, the next step is to polish the teeth. A special paste is applied to the teeth for polishing. A rotating rubber or brush gently works the polishing paste into the teeth. Polishing smoothes the surface of the teeth. This process is intended to ensure that bacteria can no longer adhere as easily.

In the final step, a fluoride-containing gel or varnish is applied to the teeth. This hardens the tooth enamel and effectively protects it from new deposits.

A professional teeth cleaning can take up to an hour and is usually carried out by a specially trained specialist. In rare cases, the dentist will carry out the teeth cleaning themselves. In most cases, professional teeth cleaning with ultrasound is completely painless.

After a professional teeth cleaning, it is recommended to continue treatment with an ultrasonic toothbrush in order to maintain the success of sparkling white and healthy teeth in the long term.

Periodontitis and professional tooth cleaning

To treat severe periodontitis, removing existing tartar is essential. Good oral hygiene is a must. This can minimize particularly severe inflammation. After treatment, professional teeth cleaning should ensure that periodontitis does not flare up again. Using an ultrasonic toothbrush is very effective in this case. Fully supporting in the area of ​​oral hygiene, dental care with an ultrasonic toothbrush ensures bacteria-free teeth and healthy gums.

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