Dental cleanings are the first thing your dentist or hygienist recommends every time you go for a dental
check-up. It is good to get professional dental cleaning done twice a year or once every six months. In this
procedure, your hygienist or the dentist uses an ultrasonic machine called a scaler to clean off the tartar
build-up on your teeth. You may experience some vibrations and noises during the procedure as this
machine uses ultrasonic vibrations and a water jet to clear off the debris from your teeth. It is generally
painless unless there are large deposits of tartar on your teeth.

Why do I need it?

As we eat and drink foods, a layer of plaque develops due to bacterial action on the surfaces of our
teeth. Proper brushing and flossing can keep plaque at bay. Despite regular oral hygiene measures, plaque
can persist in the inaccessible areas of your teeth. Dental cleaning is essential for removing plaque and
tartar deposits that may even turn into massive calculus deposits due to a lack of proper oral care. These
deposits, in turn, cause infections in our gums leading to gum diseases. Hence, it is crucial to keep the
surfaces of all our teeth clean and germ-free to prevent infections and diseases.

How long will it take?

Dental cleaning appointments typically take 15-30 minutes to complete. In some cases, when tartar
deposits are too stubborn, your hygienist may complete the procedure in 2 meetings. The process involves
cleaning the plaque using an ultrasonic scaler machine, followed by polishing using an abrasive professional
polishing paste using a motorized brush. You may also be provided fluoride treatment or fluoride varnish,
depending on your dentist’s discretion.

How long to recover? When can I get back to work?

There is no downtime for recovery! You can feel your mouth clean and fresh immediately after the
procedure. You can go to work right after your dental cleaning appointment.

What should the patient do before the treatment?

No preparations as such are needed before dental cleaning appointments. However, it is always a good
idea to brush your teeth and use mouthwash before your visit.

Dr Hafsa Alidrissi is a dentist and a certified expert with oral health and digital dentistry in Dubai and can advise you on best practices regarding looking after your mouth and teeth.

Please contact her now to book a consultation. Contact details can be found HERE.

You can find out more information about caring for your teeth  HERE

More information can be found HERE Wikipedia.