5 FAQs about dental cleaning

In today's article we want to answer the five most common FAQs our patients ask about teeth cleaning when they visit us at our dental clinic in Barcelona.

1. How often do you have to brush your teeth?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, with the nighttime brushing the priority, since your teeth rest and recover as you sleep.

We also recommend flossing daily, since it eliminates the bacteria that helps create cavities and bacterial plaque and that can cause gum disease, known as periodontitis. Remember that flossing should never replace brushing, and a good oral hygiene routine requires the use of both.

2. Is getting your teeth professionalLY cleaned once a year enough?

Theoretically, yes, but it depends on oral health, that is, if the patient has good brushing habits (at least twice a day) and has annual checkups, a professional cleaning once a year is enough.

There are patients, however, who do have good oral hygiene and still require two cleanings per year; your dentist will be able to determine exactly how often you should get a professional teeth cleaning.

3. Is a professional teeth cleaning suitable for everyone?

The answer is yes. And everyone should get their teeth cleaned professionally at least once a year, as this prevents the development of oral problems like gingivitis, bad breath, tooth decay and, in the worst case, the total or partial loss of a tooth.

4. When should children start brushing their teeth?

Children should start brushing their teeth once the very first tooth emerges. Parents should brush their children’s teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste without fluoride, and visit the pediatric dentist every six months.

5. Manual or electric toothbrush?

Many patients ask us if a manual or electric toothbrush is better and our answer is that both are effective for keeping teeth clean. According to the American Dental Association, both manual and electric toothbrushes are equally effective in cleaning teeth.

We hope that we’ve been able to answer your questions about dental cleaning. If it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist or if you need a professional teeth cleaning, make an appointment with our Casanova25 Barcelona specialist.