Teeth Cleaning in Singapore Frequently Asked Questions

Is regular brushing and flossing enough?

No! Although it is always good to brush and floss regularly for good oral hygiene, regular professional teeth cleaning is required to remove tartar from your teeth. This is not possible to remove by brushing at home.

Why do I need professional dental cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that can build up on your teeth over time. Both plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

If dental teeth cleaning is not done regularly, it will lead to the buildup of dental plaque and calculus (commonly known as tartar). If not removed, calculus can increase the risk of gum disease and long-term damage to the teeth.

How often should I book a dental cleaning appointment?

Generally, every six months is recommended for dental cleanings. However, your dentist or oral hygienist will advise you on the frequency that is best for you. Some people may need to go for more frequent cleanings than usual if they heavily consume tea, coffee, or wine, regularly smoke, or have a rapid plaque buildup.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that adults get a professional dental cleaning and exam at least twice a year. Children and teens may need more frequent cleanings, depending on their individual needs.

What happens during the treatment?

During this treatment, the dentist or dental hygienist will use a variety of tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that can build up on your teeth over time. Both plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

The dentist or dental hygienist will first use a dental mirror to examine your teeth and gums. They will then use a probe to measure the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth. If the gum pockets are too deep, it may be a sign of gum disease.

The dentist or dental hygienist will then use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. The scaler is a small, sharp tool that is used to scrape plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth.

After the plaque and tartar have been removed, the dentist or dental hygienist will use a polishing cup to smooth and shine your teeth. The polishing cup is a small, round cup that is covered with a soft, abrasive material.

Are Teeth Cleaning painful?

It is not a painful procedure, but it is a very basic and important dental treatment. Most people find it painless. A scraping sensation can be felt during scaling, which causes little to no pain.

Before and Aftercare?

There is no special preparation required. However, you may want to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least an hour before your appointment. This will help to prevent food particles from getting stuck in your teeth.

After the treatment, your teeth may be sensitive for a short time. This is normal and should subside within a few days.

To help your teeth heal, you should avoid eating or drinking anything hot or acidic for a few hours after your appointment. You should also brush your teeth and floss as usual.

Do teeth cleaning make your teeth look whiter?

Teeth cleaning is mainly done to clean the teeth, taking away tartar and removing stains to some extent. However, internal stains and hard stains will not be removed, and the teeth shade will not be improved. If you need to achieve a color change, then a treatment coupled with teeth cleaning, such as a consultation, cleaning, and brightening, is an ideal solution for you. It will help to make your teeth look cleaner and brighter. You can learn more about your teeth whitening options here.

How it prevents tooth decay and gum inflammation?

Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common dental problems. They can cause pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss. Tooth decay is a condition that causes holes in your teeth. Gum disease is a condition that causes inflammation and infection of the gums and gum line. Both tooth decay and gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent these problems. One of the most important practices is to get regular checkups where the dentist will check on the gums and gum lines and carry out dental cleanings.