Preventive Dentistry and Oral Hygiene Center

Professional oral hygiene is a procedure performed in the oral cavity that includes the removal of dental plaque and tartar, as well as polishing of tooth and filling surfaces. Patients at “Meliva” clinics are also educated on individual oral hygiene—how to properly care for their teeth at home and which tools to use.

What is Dental Tartar?

Dental tartar is mineralized dental plaque that accumulates in gum grooves, on teeth near the gum line, and on the surfaces of dental prostheses.

Tartar (calculus) can be:

• Supragingival – visible deposits on the tooth near the gum line, often forming on the inner surfaces of lower front teeth and the outer surfaces of upper molars
• Subgingival – forms below the gum line in pockets and is not easily visible; detected only with special instruments or X-rays

Tartar is harmful because it harbors microorganisms that can cause tooth and gum diseases.

Why is Professional Oral Hygiene Necessary?

Many people do not dedicate enough time to oral care. Daily brushing at home is often not sufficient to fully protect teeth:

• Not all plaque can be removed with a toothbrush. If not properly cleaned, plaque hardens into tartar
• Tartar creates an environment for bacteria, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal issues
• Deposits can darken teeth and cause bad breath
• Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of infections

Clinical studies have also shown that gum inflammation may be linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

A dental hygienist determines how often professional cleaning is needed based on:

• the amount of tartar buildup
• the patient’s oral care habits
• overall oral health condition
  
  

Procedure of Professional Oral Hygiene

The procedure includes several steps:

1. Removal of plaque and tartar using an ultrasonic scaler
2. Manual removal of remaining deposits with special instruments
3. Air polishing (sandblasting) – removes plaque and stains even from hard-to-reach areas (caused by coffee, tea, smoking, etc.)
4. Polishing of teeth using a special paste
   
   

Possible Sensations During the Procedure

In rare cases, patients may feel discomfort or tooth sensitivity during the procedure. This usually occurs if there is advanced gum inflammation. In such cases, local anesthesia may be used to ensure comfort.

Professional oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, preventing disease, and ensuring a clean and aesthetic smile.