Teeth cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental cleaning, and dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits not removed by routine cleaning. Those with dentures and natural teeth may supplement their cleaning with a denture cleaner.
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Careful and frequent brushing with a toothbrush helps to prevent build-up of plaque bacteria on the teeth.[1] These bacteria metabolize carbohydrates from food and excrete acid which demineralizes tooth enamel, which may eventually decay teeth, causing toothache and cavities and requiring dental treatment, often involving fillings. Dental calculus (tartar, hardened plaque) buildup on teeth, usually opposite salivary ducts, is due to minerals deposited on resident plaque. Frequent brushing and swishing saliva around helps prevent these deposits. Fluoride-containing or anti-plaque (tartar control) toothpastes may mitigate production of plaque and calculus.
Early toothbrushing utilized powdered pumice stone as a polishing agent. Later, flavored powders were mixed with the powdered pumice to make a more pleasant-tasting toothpowder. In the late 1920s powdered pumice was mixed with a flavored paste to make toothpaste, with no added treatment agents as found in toothpastes today.
Electric toothbrushes were developed, and initially recommended for people with strength or dexterity problems in their hands, but they have come into widespread general use. The effectiveness of electric toothbrushes at reducing plaque formation and gingivitis is about the same as conventional toothbrushes[2]
Toothbrushing cannot reach or force toothpaste inside pits and fissures in chewing surfaces, where over 80% of cavities occur. A new toothbrush design is needed to force fluoride toothpaste inside pits and fissures to neutralise acid and remineralise demineralised tooth enamel.
In addition to brushing, cleaning between teeth may help to prevent build-up of plaque bacteria on the teeth. This may be done with dental floss or interdental brushes.
80% of cavities occur in the grooves, or pits and fissures, of the chewing surfaces of the teeth.[3]
Special appliances or tools may be used to supplement toothbrushing and interdental cleaning. These include special toothpicks, oral irrigators, and other devices.
Teeth can be cleaned by scrubbing with a twig instead of a toothbrush. Plant sap in the twig takes the place of toothpaste. In many parts of the world teeth cleaning twigs are used. In the Muslim world the miswak or siwak is made from twigs or roots that are said to have an antiseptic effect when used for cleaning teeth.
Teeth cleaning (also known as prophylaxis, literally a preventative treatment of a disease) is a procedure for the removal of tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult to reach in routine toothbrushing. It is often done by a dental hygienist. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.
As to the frequency of cleaning, careful research has not shown that more frequent cleaning leads to better outcomes. A literature of the research literature on the question concluded "[t]he research evidence is not of sufficient quality to reach any conclusions regarding the beneficial and adverse effects of routine scaling and polishing for periodontal health and regarding the effects of providing this intervention at different time intervals"[4] Thus, any general recommendation for a frequency of routine cleaning (e.g. every six months, every year) has no empirical basis.[5]. Moreover, as economists have pointed out, dentists (or other dental professionals) have an incentive to recommend frequent cleaning because it increases their revenues. Law professor Ian Ayres, author of Super Crunchers, has even questioned "Is Tooth Cleaning a Scam?"[6]
Most dental hygienists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every six months. Scholar search More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during treatment of dental and other oral disorders. Routine examination of the teeth is recommended at least every year. This may include yearly, select dental X-rays. See also dental plaque identification procedure and removal.
Between cleanings by a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene helps to prevent cavities, tartar build-up, and gum disease.
Overly vigorous or incorrectly performed brushing or flossing may cause injury to the gingiva (gums). Improper or over-vigorous brushing may cause sore gums, damage to tooth enamel, gingivitis, and bleeding gums. Dentists and dental hygienists can instruct and demonstrate proper brushing or flossing techniques.[7]
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