I believe many people have had this confusion before. Why do doctors always ask them to "clean their teeth" every time they go to the dental department? Why do I have to clean my teeth even though I brush them very clean every day? Is it true that people say things like "cleaning teeth can loosen teeth", "cleaning teeth can make gaps between teeth", "cleaning teeth can damage the protective layer of teeth and make teeth more sensitive", etc.?
In fact, teeth are not as clean as you imagine, and "cleaning teeth" is far from as scary as you think.
Now let me uncover the truth behind the rumors for you!
'Teeth cleaning' debunks rumors!!!
Rumor 1- I brush my teeth carefully every morning and evening, so there's no need for teeth cleaning!
Truth decryption: Daily brushing cannot replace teeth cleaning, because after cleaning teeth for 20 minutes, some proteins in saliva will adhere to the surface of teeth, forming a biofilm that wraps around the teeth. This biofilm is the breeding ground for bacteria to settle and reproduce. No matter how good your teeth are, there are inevitably blind spots left. Brushing teeth correctly every day does not solve dental calculus. Timely and effective teeth cleaning is the foundation for preventing and delaying periodontal diseases.
Rumor 2- Teeth cleaning can damage teeth and make them thinner!
Truth decryption: The principle of teeth cleaning is to use the high-frequency oscillation of ultrasound to remove dental calculus and plaque, without wearing down the teeth. The ultrasonic cleaning machine generates ultrasonic waves of a specific frequency, which are only effective for dental calculus and pigments on the surface of teeth. It will not damage the teeth, let alone create cracks on the surface of the teeth. Due to the removal of plaque and tartar after teeth cleaning, it may appear thinner to the naked eye, but in reality, the teeth have returned to a normal state.
Rumor 3- Teeth cleaning can make the gaps between teeth bigger and loosen them!
Truth decryption: After teeth cleaning, the calculus was removed, the gum swelling disappeared, and the gaps between the teeth naturally became more obvious. But this is not the "pot" for cleaning teeth, it's all caused by dental calculus. The accumulation of dental calculus on the tooth surface is a slow process, and we usually do not feel a foreign body sensation. However, during the process of teeth cleaning, the gaps between the teeth are instantly exposed when cleaning the space occupied by tartar. If you hesitate to have your teeth cleaned because the gaps between teeth will become larger, tartar will continue to stimulate the gums, exacerbating gum inflammation and causing more severe gum recession.
Rumor 4: After washing your teeth, they turn white!
Truth Decryption: overthinking! Teeth cleaning can only remove pigmentation, which may give you the illusion of whitening. Teeth cleaning removes dental calculus, pigmentation, and plaque that are not originally part of the teeth, and can only restore the original color of the teeth.
Rumor 5- Teeth cleaning is painful!
Truth decryption: Ultrasonic dental cleaning machine uses the high-frequency oscillation effect of ultrasound to remove dental calculus and plaque, and most people do not feel pain. Healthy teeth do not experience pain during the teeth cleaning process, but some people may experience soreness when they have more dental calculus or periodontal inflammation. Before cleaning teeth, communicate with the doctor about the condition of your teeth, listen to professional advice, and be mentally prepared.
Rumor 6- Dental washing can lead to infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B and AIDS!
Truth Decryption: This is only a possibility, not 100% contagious, and cannot refuse dental cleaning for the interface at once. The key is to go to a regular hospital for teeth cleaning. Regular hospitals will implement strict disinfection measures and require patients to undergo blood tests for infectious diseases before teeth cleaning to avoid the spread of infectious diseases through instruments and during the cleaning process.
Rumor 7- Even teeth cleaning can cause bleeding!
Truth decryption: If there is no inflammation or mild inflammation in the gums, there will be no bleeding during teeth cleaning, or only a small amount of bleeding. Completely healthy gums do not bleed, only when there is inflammation in the gums can bleeding occur during the teeth cleaning process.
Rumor 8- Don't wash your teeth frequently, just wash them once or twice a year!
Truth Decryption: It is recommended to have teeth cleaned every six months, but it cannot be generalized and depends on the doctor's advice. Generally speaking, washing teeth every six months can effectively prevent periodontitis, but for patients with severe periodontitis, doctors need to determine the appropriate time for regular teeth cleaning based on the situation.
The benefits of teeth cleaning
1. Free dental check-up
During teeth cleaning, doctors actually do a health check on our teeth, where they are loose or decayed, which is clear at a glance and convenient for timely treatment.
2. Fresh breath
Although brushing teeth can remove most of the bacteria in the mouth and reduce bad breath, there is still a portion of stubborn dental plaque and food residue that can remain in the gaps between teeth. Over the years, dental calculus has developed and the oral odor has become increasingly severe.
3. Reduce gum bleeding and avoid periodontitis
Regularly removing dental calculus can effectively improve the survival status of teeth, reduce gum bleeding, and prevent the occurrence of periodontitis.