Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Yes. Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath, and reduces the risk of cavities.
Tartar plaque is hardened, calcified plaque that adheres firmly to the tooth surface and below the gum line. Toothbrushes and dental floss don't have enough mechanical force to break this layer; this is a physical limitation, not due to insufficient cleaning. If left untreated, tartar buildup can worsen gum inflammation, progress to periodontitis, and affect the tissues supporting the teeth.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
The common frequency is every 6 months, but for heavy smokers or those with poor oral hygiene, it should be reduced to every 3 months.
At Dental Fam, the 6-month mark coincides with your regular dental check-up, so you can combine both visits. If you tend to accumulate plaque faster than others, for example, if you smoke regularly or don't pay much attention to daily hygiene, a 3-month interval is more suitable to avoid excessive plaque buildup between sessions.
How Long Does Each Scaling Session Take?
A scaling session at Dental Fam takes approximately 30 minutes, applicable to both the ultrasonic and Aquacare packages.
This is the time for one session, different from the frequency of repeat treatments mentioned above. This time includes the initial examination, cleaning plaque in specific areas of the teeth, and polishing after completion; you don't need to spend the entire session on this.
What's the Difference Between Ultrasonic and Aquacare Packages?
Ultrasonic uses a high-frequency vibrating head to break down hard plaque, while Aquacare uses compressed air and fine powder sprayed under pressure to clean soft plaque and polish the tooth surface.
Ultrasonic cleaning is a popular technology, costing 300,000 VND per session, suitable for general tartar removal. Aquacare costs 1,500,000 VND per session, focusing on cleaning stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco, and providing deeper polishing. The choice of which package is suitable depends on your specific oral health condition; your dentist will advise you directly during your visit.
With the recommended frequency, many people start wondering if having multiple cleanings throughout the year will cause any harm.
Is Frequent Tartar Removal Good?
It's not harmful if done according to your dentist's instructions, but this is not a procedure to be abused as a substitute for daily oral hygiene at home.
In other words, having tartar removed every 3-6 months as recommended does not harm your teeth or gums. But scaling cannot replace daily brushing and flossing; these two serve different purposes: daily hygiene prevents new plaque from forming, while regular scaling removes hardened plaque that you can't clean yourself at home.
This is the answer in terms of frequency. But there's another common worry that makes people postpone scaling: will the procedure itself harm their teeth?
Does Scaling Wear Down Tooth Enamel or Weaken Teeth?
No. Properly performed ultrasonic scaling only removes plaque; it doesn't wear down tooth enamel or weaken teeth.
The vibrating tip of the ultrasonic scaler only acts on the outer layer of plaque; it doesn't have enough contact force to erode the underlying enamel structure if the dentist performs the procedure correctly. The feeling of ""weaker teeth"" that some people experience after scaling is usually due to the gums retracting back into place after inflammation subsides, exposing more of the tooth roots than before, and not because the teeth are actually worn down or weakened.
So, should everyone get scaling done as soon as needed, or what should be considered beforehand?
Cases Requiring Caution Before Scaling?
There are no absolute contraindications, but you should discuss this with your doctor beforehand if you have recently undergone organ transplantation, have blood disorders such as leukemia or clotting disorders, or are experiencing an acute periodontal flare-up.
These are not completely prohibited cases, but rather situations that require more careful assessment before proceeding to ensure safety. If you fall into one of the above groups, please inform your doctor when scheduling an appointment.
Can I do scaling at home to save money?
No. Miniature dental tools or devices sold on the market do not control the force and depth like professional dental equipment, easily causing gum damage or infection.
Regular teeth cleaning is recommended, typically every 6 months, or every 3 months if you tend to accumulate plaque quickly. Each session only takes about 30 minutes, does not wear down tooth enamel if done correctly, and is not harmful if done at the recommended frequency, as long as you do not use it to replace daily oral hygiene. See more about [dental scaling at Dental Fam]https://dentalfam.vn/en/services/adult/dental-scaling] to schedule an appointment.