Preventive Dentistry and Oral Hygiene Center

Professional Oral Hygiene

Professional oral hygiene is a very important aspect of overall health. Bad breath, unhealthy or loose teeth, and bleeding gums are symptoms that may occur when suffering from tooth decay, gingivitis, or periodontitis. Using a toothbrush alone does not always ensure that teeth are cleaned properly. Good oral hygiene is especially important for those with implants, braces, or dental prostheses.

A whitish-grey, often invisible dental plaque forms on tooth surfaces from food debris, bacteria, and shed epithelial cells from the oral mucosa. This plaque contains numerous microorganisms. Plaque and the acids it produces damage tooth enamel, causing decay. Microbes that remain on the tooth surface for several days release toxins that irritate the gums, leading to inflammation. Over time, pockets form between the tooth and bone; eventually, teeth become loose and may be lost completely.

Periodontal diseases are often painless, so you may not realize you have this serious condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gums become red, swollen, and bleed during brushing. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can be treated with proper personal and professional oral hygiene.

A more advanced and widespread gum disease is periodontitis, which causes deeper damage to the gums and bone. In early stages, it is still treatable. With periodontitis, teeth become loose and may fall out or need to be extracted by a dentist.

What Happens During a Visit to a Dental Hygienist

During a visit, you will be instructed on proper tooth brushing techniques, and a suitable toothpaste and mouthwash will be recommended. A follow-up visit for preventive care will also be planned.

Using an ultrasonic scaler, hand instruments, and air abrasion, both soft and hard deposits are removed from all tooth surfaces and periodontal pockets, including those above and below the gum line. Microorganisms and their toxins are eliminated. If necessary, the procedure can be performed under anesthesia at the patient’s request. These procedures may take place in one or several visits.

Even healthy teeth are not always thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush alone. For those with braces, prostheses, or implants, maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes more complex and requires special care. Professional dental cleaning should therefore be performed regularly.

Services Provided During a Visit

• Removal of soft and hard plaque from all tooth surfaces and periodontal pockets using ultrasonic scalers, instruments, and air abrasion
• Elimination of microorganisms and the toxins they produce
• Polishing of teeth using special brushes, rubber discs, and polishing paste
• Instruction on proper brushing technique
• Selection of appropriate toothpaste and mouthwash
• General oral health check-up and referral for further treatment if necessary

Professional Oral Hygiene After Dental Prosthetics and Implants

There is a common misconception that prosthetic teeth and implants require less care than natural teeth. In reality, plaque tends to accumulate more on prosthetic surfaces than on natural teeth, making oral hygiene even more important.

Special attention should be given to implants. If plaque is not properly removed, inflammation may develop around the implant. If it spreads deeper into the tissues, peri-implantitis can occur, which may lead to implant loss.

Teeth Whitening

What Are the Most Effective Teeth Whitening Methods?

Teeth whitening can be performed in a dental clinic or at home. In-office whitening requires only one visit, while home whitening usually takes about two weeks. Both methods are effective, although home whitening requires more patience and time.

Is Philips Zoom Whitening Harmful to Tooth Enamel?

Scientific and clinical studies have shown that teeth whitening performed under professional supervision is safe. The pH of Philips Zoom whitening agents is alkaline, so it does not damage enamel or dentin tissues.

The entire Philips Zoom whitening procedure takes about two hours. After the procedure, it is recommended to avoid staining and erosive foods for 24–48 hours, including citrus fruits, berries, carbonated and acidic drinks, coffee, and black or green tea.

Color change results are highly individual and depend on various factors, but typically range from 6–8 shades lighter. The procedure is recommended once a year. The longevity of the results depends on lifestyle factors such as diet and habits.

Patients who have undergone Philips Zoom whitening at our clinics report noticeable improvements, smile more often, and say they would choose this system again in the future.