See also: brushing teeth
Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and dental calculus to avoid tooth decay, gingivitis and gum disease. Severe periodontal disease accounts for at least a third of the tooth loss rate in adults. Tooth decay is the most common global disease. More than 80% of dental cavities occur in the crevices of the teeth, where food residues cannot be removed by brushing, and saliva or fluoride cannot reach them to neutralize the acid and re-calcify the demineralized teeth, in contrast to the parts of the teeth that are easy to clean and have a lower rate of decay. Dental sealants, which are performed by the dentist, cover and protect the cracks on the surface of the teeth, preventing food from getting stuck in them and thus stopping the decay process. Using an elastomiric tape to insert the dental seal deeper into the corresponding chewing surfaces, it can also insert fluoride toothpaste inside the chewing surfaces to contribute to the re-calcification of demineralized teeth.[5]
Since ancient times, even before recorded history, many oral hygiene measures have been taken to clean teeth. It has been verified by numerous excavations conducted around the world, where chewing sticks, tree branches, bird feathers, animal bones and porcupine spines were used. People around the world have differed in the means of cleaning teeth. In Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda), the neem tree and its products were used to manufacture teeth cleaning twigs, whereby a person chews one end of the twig until it becomes similar to the bristles of a toothbrush, and then used to clean the teeth. In the Islamic world, the miswak or siwak made from roots has been widely used since the golden age of Islam, which has antiseptic properties. Sodium bicarbonate and chalk are also commonly used, but they have a negative effect over time.[6]
In general, dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning twice a year.[7] Professional cleaning includes scaling, tartar abrasion, dental polishing and debridement if tartar builds up, which is usually followed by a fluoride treatment. However, the American Dental and Oral Hygienists Association (ADHA) stated in 1998 that there is no evidence that dental veneers and polishing give a therapeutic benefit.[8] The Cochrane Oral Health Group reviewed nine studies, finding that they were of insufficient quality and evidence to support claims of benefits from regular dental polishing and scaling.[9] Among the cleanings carried out by the oral hygienist, oral health must be maintained, as it is a prerequisite for preventing the formation of tartar, which causes the aforementioned problems. This is done by brushing the teeth carefully and regularly with the use of dental floss to prevent the accumulation of dental plaque.[10] Doctors and dental hygienists prevent tooth loss and gum disease. The patient should pay attention to the importance of brushing and flossing teeth daily. Modern parents must learn how to promote a healthy life and healthy mouth for their children. A person at any age must learn how to take care of and maintain his teeth so that he does not need dentures in the future.
