25 April 2023

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Do hygiene sessions ruin teeth?

Association of Dental Scientific Societies offers guidelines for dental teams to talk with patients

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The question is not so trivial for the patient, it is often asked openly to the dentist or dental hygienist. Many times it is not revealed but the doubt remains for the patient. Before a professional dental hygiene session, especially when you are facing a new patient whose degree of preparation on these issues is not known, it may be useful to talk about it directly.

In a section of its website dedicated to fake news, the Association of Dental Scientific Societies has dedicated an in-depth analysis on dental hygiene, with a number of bibliographical references based on scientific research.

First of all, it is useful to clarify that "professional hygiene sessions, together with proper home hygiene, play a fundamental role in the health of our teeth and gums." Patients should understand that if they do not take care of their oral hygiene, their health could suffer. It is useful to illustrate the protocol and the instrumentation used, which seen by the patient may actually not be reassuring. Patients may also ask if the process will hurt.

The association described how tartar can form with the passage of time and how a professional cleaning is then essential. When the teeth get to this point, an appointment could run a bit longer and it may be more difficult to remove the tartar completely.

The possible discomfort after the oral hygiene session can be explained by indicating that it is normal to incur possible side effects, listing them: mild discomfort, increased sensitivity to cold, pain sensation and even possible bleeding when brushing your teeth at home.

In addition, the association covers the question: But will the teeth wear out?

Remind the patient that "tooth enamel is the hardest substance present in our body and has great resistance," that if the tools used may seem aggressive, in reality they are not harmful to the teeth and gums because they are used properly.

Finally, explain to patients that the products that are used are specific, certified and safe and what is removed is harmful tartar.

Read more at: https://www.asso-odontoiatria.it/igiene-orale/

This article was originally published on Odontoitria33.