Does teeth cleaning hurt? Common questions about dental hygiene

It depends on the state of the gums, the amount of tartar and how sensitive the teeth are. Ultrasonic tartar removal is usually felt as vibration and coolness, air polishing as a stream of powder and water. Desensitising agents are used for sensitive teeth and, when needed, local anaesthesia. The intensity can be reduced and a break taken.

Most often every six months, but the interval is individual. The hygienist sets it by how quickly tartar builds up, the state of the gums and whether there are implants or braces. People in periodontal maintenance usually come more often: the European Federation of Periodontology's guideline plans these visits every 3 to 12 months, depending on risk.

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No. Professional dental hygiene is not whitening. Air polishing and polishing remove stains from coffee, tea or tobacco, so the teeth look cleaner, but their natural shade does not change. Changing the colour of teeth is whitening, which a dentist decides on. Professional hygiene is usually done before whitening.

Usually, yes. The American Dental Association states that preventive dental care is safe throughout pregnancy, and hormonal changes make the gums react more strongly to plaque at this time. Professional hygiene is done in agreement with the doctor overseeing the pregnancy, and the pregnancy is noted on the health questionnaire.

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When plaque or tartar builds up, the child wears braces, or their dentist advises it, and once the child can sit calmly in the chair. For young children the first visit is often an introduction: plaque disclosing and brushing practice with the parents. The NHS advises a first dental visit when the milk teeth appear, or before 12 months.

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Yes. With braces, plaque collects around the brackets and under the wire, where an ordinary toothbrush misses it, so professional hygiene is done regularly; the orthodontist and hygienist agree how often. At home, an orthodontic toothbrush, interdental brushes and special floss help. Aligners and retainers are cleaned with a soft brush and cool water, not hot.

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Yes. An implant cannot decay, but plaque builds up around it as around a tooth. The European Federation of Periodontology's guideline calls for planned supportive care once implants are in use, with regular checks of the surrounding tissues. Instruments and powders suited to implants are used; the frequency is agreed with the dentist who placed them.

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The most common cause is plaque. Bacteria left on the teeth along the gum line irritate the gums, which swell and bleed when brushed. With thorough daily cleaning of the teeth and the spaces between them, bleeding usually lessens within a couple of weeks. If it does not, or the gums are painful and swollen, a dentist should assess them.

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