Professional teeth cleaning and prophylaxis is the cornerstone of oral health maintenance. No matter how well you brush or floss, tartar deposits on tooth surfaces and below the gum line are inevitable over time.
What is Tartar?
When oral bacteria combine with saliva minerals, dental plaque (biofilm) forms. This plaque hardens within 48 hours and turns into tartar (calculus). Tartar cannot be removed by brushing at home — professional cleaning is essential.
Which Instruments are Used?
- Ultrasonic Scaler — Breaks and removes hard tartar deposits with vibrational energy, cooled by irrigation
- Hand Instruments (Curette, Sickle) — Mechanically removes fine subgingival (below gum line) deposits
- Air-Flow System — Removes stains and light plaque with sodium bicarbonate or erythritol powder at jet pressure
- Polishing — Smooths tooth surfaces with fluoride-containing paste
How Often is it Needed?
For generally healthy individuals, professional cleaning is recommended every 6 months. Individuals with a history of gum disease, smoking, or diabetes require more frequent check-ups every 3–4 months.
Benefits
- Prevents or controls gum disease
- Eliminates bad breath (halitosis)
- Enhances the natural brightness of teeth
- Enables early detection of cavities and problems
- Supports overall systemic health (heart, diabetes)