A Dental Teeth Cleaning: Your Questions Answered

Along with regularly practising good dental hygiene at home, one of the best ways to protect the health of your teeth and gums is with a twice-annual dental cleaning. A dental cleaning helps to remove the kind of tar-tar build-up that regular home brushing just won't be able to shift. Of course, many of our patients have questions about dental cleaning.

To make this information more accessible, we have compiled the questions below with comprehensive answers. The below is for information purposes only and should not be considered a stand-in for personalised dental advice from a professional.

How long does a teeth cleaning take?

The length of a dental cleaning appointment can vary depending on a few factors, such as the individual needs of the patient and the dentist's cleaning process. However, a typical dental cleaning appointment usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour.
During a dental cleaning, the dental hygienist or dentist will remove any plaque, tartar, or stains from your teeth using specialised instruments. They will also floss your teeth and may polish them to remove any remaining stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth and clean.
If it has been a while since your last dental cleaning, or if you have a significant amount of build-up on your teeth, your cleaning appointment may take longer than an hour. Additionally, if your dentist or hygienist identifies any potential issues during your cleaning, such as gum disease or cavities, they may need to perform additional procedures that could lengthen your appointment time.

How much is a teeth cleaning in Ireland?

The cost of teeth cleaning in Ireland can vary depending on several factors. Typically, the cost of routine teeth cleaning in Ireland ranges from €50 to €150. However, the price may be higher if additional procedures are needed, such as X-rays, periodontal treatment, or fluoride treatment.

How to keep teeth white after a dental cleaning?

After a dental cleaning, there are several things you can do to help maintain the whiteness of your teeth. Here are a few tips:
1. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent staining. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and consider using a whitening toothpaste.
2. Avoid foods and drinks that stain: Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured berries, can stain your teeth. Limit your consumption of these items, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
3. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water can help rinse away food particles and prevent staining. It also helps keep you hydrated, which is essential for oral health.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking can cause significant staining and discolouration of teeth. Quitting smoking can help prevent future staining and improve your overall health.
5. Consider whitening treatments: If you want to enhance your teeth' whiteness further, talk to your dentist about whitening treatments.

What to avoid after teeth cleaning?

After teeth cleaning, there are a few things that you should avoid to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and free from any complications. Here are some things to avoid:
1. Eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes: After cleaning, it's important to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes. This allows time for any fluoride treatments to fully absorb into your teeth.
2. Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and cause staining or discolouration of your teeth.
3. Hard or sticky foods: Avoid hard or sticky foods that may cause damage to your teeth or pull on your gums.
4. Alcohol-based mouthwash: Avoid using it for at least 24 hours after a cleaning, as it can cause irritation and dryness in the mouth.
5. Brushing or flossing aggressively: After cleaning, it's important to continue to brush and floss regularly, but be gentle and avoid aggressive brushing or flossing that could cause gum irritation or bleeding.
It's important to follow your dentist's instructions and advice on how to care for your teeth and gums after a cleaning. By avoiding these things and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.

If you have any more questions about teeth cleaning or would like to make an appointment, please get in touch with our offices today.