Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Professional Teeth Cleaning – Process & Benefits

Professional teeth cleaning (PTC) is a thorough dental treatment performed by trained dental staff to remove plaque, tartar, and stains, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Professional Teeth Cleaning"

Professional teeth cleaning (PTC) is a thorough dental treatment performed by trained dental staff to remove plaque, tartar, and stains, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.

What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning (also called a dental prophylaxis or scale and polish) is a preventive dental procedure carried out by trained dental hygienists or dental therapists. It goes far beyond everyday oral hygiene at home, removing deposits such as plaque and tartar that cannot be fully eliminated by toothbrushing alone. The primary aim is to preserve long-term dental health and prevent conditions such as tooth decay (caries) and gum disease (periodontitis).

How Does a Professional Teeth Cleaning Work?

A professional teeth cleaning typically involves several structured steps:

Initial assessment: The dental professional evaluates the condition of the teeth, gums, and supporting structures, often recording a plaque index and bleeding index.
Removal of tartar and deposits: Specialised hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers are used to remove tartar, plaque, and surface stains from both above and below the gumline.
Interdental cleaning: Dental floss, interdental brushes, and specialist instruments are used to clean the hard-to-reach spaces between the teeth.
Polishing: Tooth surfaces are smoothed using rotating brushes and a special polishing paste, making it more difficult for new deposits to adhere.
Fluoride application: Teeth are often treated with fluoride gel or varnish to strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities.
Oral hygiene counselling: The dental professional provides personalised advice on brushing techniques and the use of aids such as interdental brushes.

Why Is Professional Teeth Cleaning Important?

Even with careful daily oral hygiene, bacteria accumulate in hard-to-reach areas in so-called biofilms. These can harden into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed professionally. Left untreated, these deposits can lead to:

Caries (tooth decay)
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
Periodontitis (inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures), which can ultimately result in tooth loss
Bad breath (halitosis)

There is also growing scientific evidence linking poor oral health to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regular professional teeth cleaning can therefore contribute to overall health maintenance.

How Often Is It Recommended?

Most dental professionals recommend having a professional teeth cleaning once or twice a year. More frequent sessions may be advisable for specific risk groups, including:

Individuals with a higher risk of caries
Patients with periodontitis or those who have undergone periodontal treatment
People with diabetes, who have an elevated risk of gum disease
Smokers, as tobacco use promotes tartar formation
Those wearing braces or dentures
Pregnant women, as hormonal changes make the gums more susceptible to inflammation

Duration and Costs

Depending on the condition of the teeth and the extent of treatment required, a session typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. In many countries, professional teeth cleaning is not fully covered by standard public health insurance and is considered a private preventive service. Costs generally range from approximately 60 to 150 euros (or an equivalent amount in other currencies), depending on the practice and the scope of treatment. Some supplementary dental insurance plans cover part or all of the cost.

Risks and Side Effects

Professional teeth cleaning is a very safe procedure. Some patients may experience temporary mild effects after treatment, including:

Short-term tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
Slight gum bleeding or tenderness immediately following the procedure

These effects typically resolve within a few days. In cases of severe gum inflammation or deep periodontal pockets, the procedure may be briefly uncomfortable; local anaesthetic can be used if necessary.

References

Tonetti MS, Jepsen S, Jin L, Otomo-Corgel J. Impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health, nutrition and wellbeing of mankind. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2017;44(5):456-462.
World Health Organization (WHO): Oral Health Fact Sheet, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
Chapple ILC, Mealey BL, et al. Periodontal health and gingival diseases and conditions on an intact and a reduced periodontium. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2018;45(Suppl 20):S68-S77.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.