Dental hygiene / Prophylaxis

Why professional dental hygiene and prophylaxis is so important

Without plaque, there is no tooth decay, no bleeding gums and no periodontitis. Thorough dental hygiene is the key to a healthy and radiant smile. Regular and thorough brushing alone is often not enough to remove all plaque. Therefore, professional teeth cleaning or dental hygiene should be carried out twice a year.

Benefits of dental hygiene or tooth cleaning

Professional dental hygiene has a high preventive benefit, especially with a focus on caries and periodontitis. Bacterial diseases are prevented by removing plaque and tartar. In addition, both dental health and dental aesthetics benefit from the treatment.

Prevention of gum disease

Professional dental cleanings are crucial to removing plaque and tartar, the main causes of gum inflammation and diseases such as periodontitis. These professional cleanings help prevent inflammation and keep your gums healthy.

Caries prevention

Even with thorough brushing, hard-to-reach areas of the mouth cannot always be completely cleaned. Professional dental cleaning treatments reach these areas and thereby significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Fresh breath

The prophylactic treatment removes bacteria that are responsible for unpleasant bad breath. The result is a significantly improved feeling in the mouth and more confidence when smiling.

Preserving your natural teeth

Regular dental hygiene and early treatment of dental diseases will keep your teeth strong and healthy. This effectively prevents premature tooth loss and helps to preserve your natural teeth for a long time.

Prevention: your key to dental health

What is prophylaxis?

Prophylaxis includes measures to prevent tooth and gum disease. Check-ups and dental cleaning by an expert are the central pillars of maintaining your oral health. Healthy gums are the scientifically proven prerequisite for the long-term success of dental work and guarantee that you will keep your teeth for life. Healthy gums also make your teeth look aesthetically pleasing.

Brief overview – The process of professional dental hygiene

1. Inspection of the oral cavity
2. Removal of tartar and plaque
3. Removal of discoloration and smoothing of tooth surfaces
4. Fluoridation

The process in detail

1.

Thorough inspection of the oral cavity

We begin dental hygiene with a thorough examination of your mouth. Using special tools and mirrors, we check each tooth for caries, inspect the gums for signs of inflammation, and look for other potential problems. This inspection is essential to assess the current state of your oral health and to respond specifically to your needs.

2.

Removal of tartar and plaque: deep cleaning

After the examination, tartar and plaque are removed. Tartar is hardened plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed with specially designed instruments. We use ultrasonic devices and manual hand instruments to remove these hard deposits thoroughly and painlessly. This deep cleaning is crucial to eliminating bacterial buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

3.

Polishing: removal of discoloration and smoothing of tooth surfaces

After a thorough cleaning, your teeth are polished. This polishing has several purposes: Firstly, it removes discoloration caused by food, drinks or tobacco consumption. Secondly, it smoothes the tooth surface, which helps to make it harder for new plaque to build up. We use a special polishing paste and rotating brushes for the polishing.

4.

Fluoridation: Strengthening tooth enamel

The last step in our dental hygiene is fluoridation. We apply a highly concentrated fluoride gel to your teeth, which must be left to work for a few minutes. This treatment helps to remineralize the tooth enamel and provides additional protection against tooth decay. After fluoridation, you should not eat or drink anything for a while to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

How often should teeth be cleaned?

Lifedent recommendation: Depending on your individual risk of caries and periodontitis, we recommend having a professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Patients with a higher risk may need to come for professional cleaning more often.

Our recall system

Never miss an appointment again

All patients are included in our oral hygiene recall system. This system automatically reminds you of your next dental care appointments, depending on your personal risk of periodontitis and caries. This way we ensure that your dental health is always optimally cared for.

Individual adaptation according to risk

Our recall system adapts the frequency of reminders to your personal risk to ensure optimal care.

Oral hygiene program for children

Our children's program

Consistent care of milk teeth prevents early tooth decay. That's why we look after many children in our oral hygiene program - kids club/teen club. After coloring the teeth, we playfully show the children where they should clean better, thus encouraging their self-responsibility.

Age-appropriate prophylaxis and care

Our program is tailored to different age groups and helps children develop good oral hygiene right from the start.

Sensitive and pain-free treatments for anxious patients

Individual advice and tailor-made concepts

Our LifeDent dentistry specialists will be happy to advise you on all questions relating to dental hygiene and prophylaxis. We offer individual advice and tailor-made treatment plans that are tailored to your specific needs and risk factors.

Support for anxious patients

We offer special methods to reduce the fear of visiting the dentist. Sensitive conversations and the option of sedation ensure that even anxious patients keep their dental care appointments.

Contact us – arrange your appointment today!

Regular dental hygiene is essential to prevent tooth decay, bleeding gums and periodontitis. Our comprehensive prophylaxis programs and recall system help you maintain your dental health and aesthetics in the long term.

FAQs on dental hygiene and prophylaxis

Before a cleaning, you should brush and floss your teeth as usual. Let our specialists know about any discomfort or sensitivity so we can take it into account.
In principle, anyone who wants to improve their oral health can and may have their teeth cleaned. It is particularly recommended for:
  • Adults: Dental hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Children: Early tooth cleaning promotes good oral hygiene and prevents baby tooth decay.
  • Pregnant women: Tooth cleaning can help prevent hormonal gum problems.
  • Seniors: Professional tooth cleaning supports dental health in old age.

  • People with braces or dentures: Special cleaning techniques keep dentures and braces clean and healthy.
    Anyone who wants to maintain a healthy smile can and should have their teeth cleaned.

    A teeth cleaning is usually painless, but everyone feels it differently. If you have sensitive tooth necks or inflamed gums, you may experience slight discomfort.

    Our tip: Let us know if you find it uncomfortable – we can use a light anesthetic.

    A prophylactic treatment or professional teeth cleaning usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes. The exact duration can vary depending on the individual condition of the teeth and gums and the extent of the cleaning required.

    If this is your first professional teeth cleaning in a long time or you have special needs, the treatment may take a little longer.

    After cleaning, fluoride is applied to your teeth to strengthen them and protect them from tooth decay. Fluoride is an important trace element that makes tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks.
    After dental hygiene, you should not eat or drink anything for about 30 minutes to maximize the effect of the fluoride treatment. Avoid strong-staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco for 24 hours to prevent discoloration.
    After a dental cleaning, you should wait at least 1 hour before eating or drinking anything. No strongly staining foods, drinks, coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco.
    After a professional teeth cleaning, you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth again to allow the fluoridation to take effect. After that, you can brush your teeth again with a soft toothbrush.

    The effects of a professional teeth cleaning can last for several months. It is recommended to have the treatment done at least twice a year to achieve optimal results.

    It is advisable to avoid cola and other strongly colouring or acidic drinks for at least 24 hours after a teeth cleaning to avoid discolouration and acid damage.
    A normal dental cleaning includes daily brushing and flossing at home. A professional dental cleaning is done in the dentist’s office and includes thorough removal of plaque and tartar, polishing of the teeth and fluoridation.
    Since tomato sauce is very coloring, you should avoid it for at least 24 hours.
    Yes, a professional teeth cleaning can remove superficial stains and make teeth appear whiter. However, for deeper stains, additional cosmetic treatment such as bleaching may be necessary.
    The costs for dental hygiene vary depending on the dental practice and individual needs. On average, the costs are around 150 to 200 CHF.