Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace individual dental advice.

Even with the best oral hygiene, stubborn deposits and tartar build up over time – often intensified by certain habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol, tea or coffee – and can no longer be removed by ordinary means. The gum line and the spaces between the teeth are particularly affected, as they are often difficult or even impossible to reach with a toothbrush. In such cases, a professional teeth cleaning is the method of choice to prevent deposits from becoming the starting point for periodontitis or tooth decay.

For a healthy and radiant smile

Of course, it is not only health considerations that speak in favour of regular teeth cleaning, but aesthetic ones too. In everyday contact with other people, few things are as important as a radiant smile. Clean, evenly coloured teeth underline a positive overall impression and are also perceived by others as a sign of good health and even of prosperity. In several respects, it is therefore a worthwhile investment.

Duration and procedure of a teeth cleaning

Ideally, the annual dental check-up is combined with a preceding cleaning of the teeth, which also makes it easier for the dentist to assess the condition of your teeth. The cleaning is carried out in several steps and takes between 25 and 60 minutes in total, depending on the amount of work required.

In the first step, stubborn plaque is stained with a so-called plaque-disclosing tablet to make it more clearly visible. Tartar and deposits are then removed, usually gently with an ultrasonic device and, where necessary, with additional instruments.

After that, discolouration is treated using the Airflow powder-jet technique, and the teeth are then thoroughly rinsed and dried.

Finally, the teeth are polished with a special paste and, where appropriate, a fluoride gel is applied to harden the tooth enamel. For detailed questions about the procedure and the techniques and materials used, your dentist Dr. Pantas will be happy to assist you.

Are the costs of a professional teeth cleaning covered by health insurance?

Professional teeth cleaning is not a standard benefit of the German statutory health insurance funds. However, the statutory funds do subsidise the treatment with varying amounts, usually between €40 and €80. In most cases, this corresponds to one session per year. Many private insurers and supplementary dental insurance policies cover the costs up to three times a year, or up to a fixed amount that varies from policy to policy. In this case, ask your insurer about your tariff and the benefits it includes.

Further dental care at home

Once the professional teeth cleaning is complete, the gums may be irritated, depending on the type and extent of the measures carried out. To ensure that they recover as quickly as possible, you should refrain from smoking immediately after the treatment.

If periodontal pockets need to be cleaned, it is also best to avoid grainy or crumbly foods (such as rice), which can settle in the pockets and cause inflammation.

After extensive cleaning measures, the tooth enamel usually feels rough during the first few hours following the professional clean and should be treated gently. Strongly staining foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee or black tea should be avoided, as should blueberries or beetroot, so as not to compromise the visual result. Acidic foods and drinks should likewise be avoided in the first few hours after the cleaning, as they can attack and damage the tooth enamel.

Of course, a professional teeth cleaning is no substitute for oral care at home. This includes brushing your teeth two to three times a day, ideally with an electric toothbrush, which removes deposits more effectively than a conventional manual toothbrush. In addition, the spaces between the teeth should be cleaned once a day with dental floss and/or an interdental brush. Regular and thorough dental care also helps to minimise the amount of work required during a professional teeth cleaning.

Your dentist Dr. Pantas will also be happy to answer your questions in person about what to do after the treatment and about dental care at home.

Necessity and frequency of professional teeth cleaning

An annual professional clean is essential in any case if you are prone to heavy deposits or tartar. Tartar in particular increases the risk of periodontitis and, with it, receding gums. As a consequence, the necks of the teeth become exposed and vulnerable to tooth decay. At an advanced stage of periodontitis – that is, once periodontal pockets have already formed – you should have a professional teeth cleaning carried out at least twice a year in order to avoid tooth loss and to benefit from regular check-ups.

For patients with implants, even shorter intervals between treatments are recommended; three to four sessions per year should be regarded as obligatory, as they have a major influence on the long-term preservation of the implants. In these areas, bacteria can penetrate the jaw particularly easily and cause inflammation that may result in the loss of the implant. Here too, dentist Dr. Pantas will be happy to advise you personally.