Dental care

Teeth cleaning is performed by experienced and professional hygienists, who are also able to operate in the presence of more complex oral pathologies.In order to show off white, healthy and strong teeth, it is necessary to know and put into practice the basic principles governing dental hygiene, both at home and at work. Professional teeth cleaning, the technical term for which is scaling, is an essential treatment not only to remove plaque and tartar build-up deposited on teeth, but also to keep general health under control by eliminating harmful bacteria that multiply in the mouth.
Teeth cleaning, performed in our practice by professional hygienists, is extremely important and effective in safeguarding teeth from decay and periodontal diseases such as pyorrhoea and gingivitis.

What is dental plaque
Dental plaque, also called bacterial plaque or oral biofilm, is a sticky, opalescent substance that is deposited on tooth surfaces. Considered the main enemy of the mouth, dental plaque takes root mainly in interdental spaces, occlusal surfaces, enamel irregularities or near the gum and tooth (collar).When dental plaque forms, it is rapidly colonised by the numerous germs of the oral bacterial flora. Bacterial multiplication, with the development of numerous colonies, leads to a thickening of the plaque, which, as it becomes enriched with salivary substances and other cellular material from the mouth, begins to produce organic acids that irritate and corrode the substances with which they come into contact. This is when enamel loses its firmness, becoming more brittle and less effective in protecting the underlying layers of the tooth (dentine and pulp). This is the beginning of caries.Daily oral hygiene, however meticulously and carefully performed, is not enough to completely remove plaque and tartar from teeth. Home dental cleaning merely lifts bacteria and food residues deposited on tooth enamel or stuck in the interdental spaces but fails to remove plaque and tartar hidden under the gums or in spaces difficult to reach by the toothbrush. If bacterial plaque is not completely removed with proper oral hygiene, it undergoes a series of mineralisation processes and turns into tartar. The combined action of this hard deposit and bacterial metabolism predisposes the teeth to periodontal disease over time.

Professional teeth cleaning
In addition to preventing numerous dental and gum diseases, teeth cleaning also ensures good general health in the long term. Professional dental cleaning is not limited to removing tartar build-up on the surface of teeth, but also cleans deep into the interdental spaces and subgingival area, preventing the formation of caries, periodontitis, gingivitis and pulpitis. Obviously, it has a useful function for dental aesthetics because it promotes teeth whitening, making them shinier and stain-free. It is also an effective remedy against halitosis.

How often should teeth be cleaned
Hygienists suggest that teeth should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months. A more frequent cleaning is recommended for patients with oral diseases, especially periodontitis, gingivitis, or those with crooked teeth and malocclusion. At least once a year, professional dental cleaning should be supported by a check-up to check the general health of the mouth and to nip any early-stage cariogenic processes in the bud.Teeth cleaning is almost completely painless but it is not uncommon for patients to complain of discomfort during the treatment and in the hours afterwards. In general, perceived discomfort or burning is proportional to the tartar and plaque deposits on the teeth: the harder the mineral and bacterial deposits to be removed, the greater the discomfort perceived during cleaning. To minimise discomfort, it is not advisable to allow too much time (more than 12 months) to elapse between dental appointments.

Tartar ablation or scaling
Scaling or tartar ablation is a professional tooth cleaning procedure that involves the mechanical removal of supra- and subgingival plaque and tartar with ultrasonic and/or hand instruments. Scaling is performed by the dental hygienist or dentist on both the exposed and subgingival portions of the teeth. The treatment is performed with a special instrument called a curette.Tartar removal or scaling is done manually or by ultrasound. This operation is often combined with tooth polishing, which further decreases the risk of gum inflammation. It is generally recommended to undergo removal once every 6 to 18 months depending on the rate of tartar deposition.

Types of teeth cleaning
The dentist and dental hygienist assess the patient's oral health to determine the type of cleaning best suited to the condition of the teeth and any issues present.Prophylaxis: traditionally called tooth cleaning, prophylaxis removes plaque that cannot be removed simply by brushing and includes polishing with a special abrasive paste, also used to whiten teeth by removing smoke and coffee stains. It is indicated when the gums are pink and healthy and there are no signs of periodontal disease or bleeding.Root smoothing: also called scaling, involves scraping away tartar inside periodontal pockets. It can cause bleeding and gum sensitivity. It is indicated when there are clear signs of periodontal disease.Specific antibiotic therapy: involves placing antibiotics directly into the gum pockets, or administering them systemically, to minimize the risk of bacterial overgrowth.Periodontal care: this type of dental cleaning is performed every 8-12 weeks and helps maintain results during periodontal treatment.

Cleaning teeth for disease prevention
Plaque and tartar are among the main culprits of periodontal disease, and their bacteria can significantly affect overall health as well.The pathogenic bacteria that cause periodontitis are able to penetrate within the gum tissues and enter the bloodstream, producing an intense local inflammatory response with repercussions at the systemic level as well. In this way, they can cause more or less serious pathologies even in organs or apparatuses far from the oral cavity such as diabetes, ischemic or cardiovascular diseases or even obstetric complications. Cleaning the teeth is also essential for the prevention and early diagnosis of oral carcinoma: a timely performed biopsy can allow intercepting any lesions in the pre-cancerous stage.

Fluoroprophylaxis
Fluoroprophylaxis involves the administration of fluoride to prevent carious lesions and strengthen tooth enamel and walls. Fluoride is a mineral that transforms hydroxyapatite crystals, a normal constituent of tooth enamel, into fluorapatite, a substance that is more resistant to the demineralizing acid attack of bacterial plaque. Fluoride can be taken either by topical fluoroprophylaxis or by systemic fluoroprophylaxis.Topical fluoroprophylaxis is done at any age and can be "do-it-yourself" or professional. In the former case, fluoride administration is mainly through sodium fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes. Professional treatment, on the other hand, is performed in the dental office by a professional who carefully calibrates the fluoride dosage. It is important to have the session twice a year, along with a dental hygiene checkup.Systemic fluoroprophylaxis is specific to growth and development. Fluoride is administered through drops or tablets and acts on the forming dental elements and can be incorporated into the deeper layers. For the effect to be long-lasting and constant, it is necessary for the mother's intake of fluoride to occur throughout the period of odontogenesis, which begins from the 4th month of intrauterine life and continues until 12-13 years of age.