What are the disadvantages of teeth cleaning?

Jul 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

During the teeth cleaning process, the removal of dental plaque and tartar may expose the dentin, leading to tooth sensitivity to stimuli such as hot, cold, sour, or sweet substances, causing brief aching or discomfort, especially in individuals who already have dentin hypersensitivity. Dental instruments may come in contact with the gums during cleaning. If gum inflammation is present or excessive force is used during the procedure, gum bleeding may occur. Usually, the bleeding is minimal and can resolve on its own within a few days after the cleaning.

Generally speaking, the disadvantages of dental scaling usually include increased tooth sensitivity, temporary gum bleeding, slight enamel damage, temporarily enlarged gaps between teeth, and rough tooth surfaces. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Increased tooth sensitivity: During dental scaling, plaque and tartar are removed, which may expose the dentin and cause teeth to become sensitive to stimuli such as cold, heat, sourness, or sweetness, resulting in temporary soreness. This symptom is particularly noticeable in individuals who already have dentin hypersensitivity.

2. Temporary gum bleeding: During scaling, instruments come in contact with the gums. If the gums are inflamed or excessive force is applied during the procedure, it may cause gum bleeding. Usually, the amount of bleeding is minimal and can resolve on its own within a few days after scaling.

3. Slight enamel damage: When using an ultrasonic scaler, if the tip remains on the same spot for too long or the power setting is too high, it may cause tiny scratches on the enamel surface, affecting the tooth's smoothness.

4. Temporarily enlarged interdental gaps: After scaling, tartar between the teeth is removed, exposing previously filled spaces. This may create the sensation that the gaps between teeth have increased. This condition is temporary, and the discomfort will gradually diminish with time and adaptation.

5. Rough tooth surfaces: Microscopic scratches may remain on the tooth surfaces after scaling. If polishing is not performed promptly, food debris and dental plaque may more easily adhere to these rough areas, increasing the difficulty of oral cleaning.

Dental scaling should be performed at a reputable medical facility by trained professionals. After scaling, one should avoid thermal stimuli, maintain good oral hygiene, and seek timely medical attention if persistent bleeding or increased sensitivity occurs.

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What happens if scaling is done without air-polishing?

Under normal circumstances, scaling without sandblasting may cause oral odor, reattachment of dental plaque, tooth sensitivity, impaired gum health, and damage to tooth enamel. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician. It is also advised to maintain good oral hygiene and undergo regular dental checkups and care to ensure oral health.

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Is dental scaling good for teeth?

Teeth cleaning primarily involves the use of specialized instruments to remove dental plaque, tartar, and pigmentation from the tooth surfaces. Dental plaque and tartar are significant contributing factors to oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Teeth cleaning effectively eliminates these pathogenic factors, helping to prevent and reduce gingival inflammation, improve symptoms such as gum bleeding and swelling, and contribute to maintaining fresh breath.

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How much does it cost to have teeth cleaning at a hospital?

The cost of teeth cleaning at a hospital ranges from 100 to 800 yuan per session. However, the price may vary depending on factors such as the cleaning method, dental condition, regional differences, additional services, and the type of dental facility. For accurate pricing, it is recommended to consult local hospitals. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, avoiding irritating foods, choosing a toothbrush with moderate softness, and undergoing regular dental checkups and cleanings are important.

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What time in the morning do you brush your teeth?

There is no strict uniform standard for the timing of brushing teeth in the morning; however, from the perspective of oral health and daily habits, it is more appropriate to brush about 30 minutes after breakfast. It is important to develop good oral hygiene habits, including the regular use of auxiliary cleaning tools such as dental floss and mouthwash, as well as routine dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning, to maintain oral health.