Prevention – frequently asked questions (FAQ)
If you brush incorrectly or too briefly, bacteria form plaque that hardens after ~48 hours and adheres firmly — no longer removable by brushing. It then mineralises into tartar. Bacterial acids damage enamel and cause caries; toxins inflame gums, leading to swelling, bleeding, redness and bad breath. Over time bone is lost and teeth loosen.
Scaling is painless. An ultrasonic scaler removes tartar deposits. Air polishing is then recommended to remove stains, followed by polishing and topical fluoride.
During air polishing, a pressurised jet delivers fine powder that removes plaque and stains from tooth surfaces. Afterwards, we apply topical fluoride to strengthen enamel.
We recommend a check-up and professional hygiene (scaling, sandblasting and fluoridation) on average every 6 months. For smokers, people wearing braces or those more prone to tartar build-up and gum inflammation, the procedure is worth repeating more often. Regular hygiene is the cheapest and most effective way to prevent caries and gum disease.
Fluoridation involves coating cleaned teeth with a high-fluoride preparation (varnish or gel). Fluoride is incorporated into the enamel, strengthens it, increases its resistance to the acids produced by bacteria and reduces the risk of caries. The procedure also relieves tooth sensitivity. It is completely painless and especially recommended for children and after a hygiene treatment.
Sealing is the protection of deep fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth (primarily molars) with a special sealant. Fissures are difficult to clean thoroughly with a brush, so bacterial plaque accumulates easily in them. Covering them with sealant smooths the surface and significantly reduces the risk of caries. The procedure is painless and especially recommended for children, shortly after the permanent teeth have erupted.
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for about two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste. The surfaces between the teeth are cleaned with dental floss or interdental brushes - that is where caries develops most often. It is also worth cleaning the tongue and limiting snacking and sugary drinks between meals. Home hygiene, however, does not replace professional tartar removal at the practice - the two complement each other.