Can dental cleaning damage your teeth and gums?

When Upasna Sen returned from her dental cleaning session, she was afflicted with a chilling sensation in her gums. In a frenzy, she stood against the mirror and scrutinised the insides of her mouth. "After my regular teeth clean-up, my teeth felt exposed and even a whiff of air caused immense discomfort. When I checked in the mirror, I noticed reddish sores developing on my gums. The cleaning was not so painful, however, I bled occasionally. Is it possible that my teeth and gums are permanently damaged?"

Like Upasna, many people undergo dental cleaning sessions and experience similar anguish. In hopes to attain sparkling white teeth, they withstand the pangs of the vibrating metal tip on the scaler. Often the scalar messes with their natural oral state and causes their gums to bleed, which they obediently swallow or spit.

Dental cleaning is important to keep your teeth free from tartar and plaque which are the primary factors responsible for dental cavities and decay. However, the process comes with its hazards and is not completely damage-free. Midday Online spoke to Mumbai-based dental expert Riddhi Katara to investigate the risks attached to dental cleaning and measures that can be incorporated for a safe procedure.

What are the risks/drawbacks associated with a dental cleaning?
The primary result of dental cleaning is cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and improved oral health. However, there are a few potential dangers associated with the process. These include:

Damaged tooth enamel
Overzealous scraping or polishing during dental cleaning can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity. This exposes the inner layer of teeth which can give rise to gingivitis and excruciating pain when you eat cold or tangy food items.

Soreness of gums
Dental cleaning tools can sometimes irritate the gums. As the scalar vibrates at high intensity to remove plaque from under the lining of your gums, it leads to sore gums that turn reddish. The discomfort can last for a while and needs to be dealt with over-the-counter medication.

Bleeding of gums
If you have persisting periodontal disease, chances are that you have stubborn tartar and plaque that has accumulated over a long period. In this case, the process of scaling can damage your gum as it removes dense layers of plaque from your teeth. This can lead to temporary bleeding and swollen gums.

Infection
In rare cases, dental cleanings can cause infection if bacteria are introduced into the gums or bloodstream via exposed gums.

Gaps between teeth
Our teeth have natural spacing which gets filled due to food deposits. Eventually, these deposits turn into plaque which poses a threat of cavity and decay. After undergoing a teeth clean-up, these spaces get exposed and you might notice the appearance of new gaps between your teeth. The clean-up will not create those gaps but will expose the existing ones.

Cost
Teeth cleaning can be expensive, particularly if you do not have dental insurance. However, it is important to consider the long-term cost savings of preventing more serious dental problems that could require more extensive and expensive treatments.

Fear or anxiety
Some people may experience fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures, including teeth cleaning.

What are the factors that lead to the yellowing of teeth?
"If you're concerned about yellowing of your teeth, it's important to talk to your dentist, who can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options", says Riddhi. The yellowing of teeth is a sign of neglected oral hygiene and a careless attitude. Several factors can contribute to the yellowing of teeth:

Poor dental hygiene
Not brushing and flossing regularly creates a thriving environment for plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. These stubborn layers of deposits sit on your teeth and turn them yellow.

Aging
As we get older, the outer layer of our teeth, called enamel, gradually wears away, revealing the yellow dentin layer underneath.

Tobacco use
Smoking or using other tobacco products exposes our teeth and gums to toxic smoke. This smoke is infused with noxious substances like carbon monoxide, nitrogen, etc. which can lead to the yellowing of teeth.

Food and drink
Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fruits and vegetables, can stain your teeth over prolonged usage.

Medications
Some medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause yellowing of teeth when taken during childhood.

Genetics
Some people may be more prone to yellowing of teeth due to their genetics.

Health conditions
Certain health conditions, such as liver disease, can cause the yellowing of teeth.

What are the safety measures that can be avoided to avoid damage to teeth and gums?

Assessing the patient's oral health
Before performing a dental cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist will evaluate the patient's oral health and identify any potential risk factors that could increase the risk of complications.

Using appropriate tools and techniques
During a dental cleaning, dental professionals use specialised tools and techniques to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth without damaging the enamel or gums.

Taking precautions to prevent infection
Dental professionals follow strict infection control protocols, such as wearing gloves and masks, sterilising equipment, and properly disposing of contaminated materials, to prevent the spread of infection.

Providing aftercare instructions
After a dental cleaning, patients are typically given instructions on how to care for their teeth and gums at home, including proper brushing and flossing techniques and any additional measures needed to promote healing.

What are the benefits of getting one's teeth cleaned?
There are several benefits to getting your teeth cleaned regularly by a dental professional:

Preventing tooth decay
During a dental cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove any build-up of plaque or tartar on your teeth. This can help prevent the development of cavities and tooth decay.

Preventing gum disease
Gum disease is a common condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing bacteria and plaque from the gums.

Maintaining good oral health
Dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. They can help prevent a range of oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Removing stains
Teeth can become discoloured or stained over time due to food and drink consumption, tobacco use, and other factors. Dental cleanings can help remove surface stains and improve the appearance of teeth.

Early detection of oral health problems
During a dental cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will also check for signs of oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection can help prevent these conditions from becoming more serious and can improve your chances of successful treatment.

Improving your smile
Dental cleanings can help remove surface stains and improve the appearance of your teeth. This can help boost your confidence and improve your overall quality of life.

Are there any long-term impacts of dental cleaning?
There are generally no long-term negative impacts of teeth cleaning on gum health, and regular teeth cleaning can help prevent gum disease and promote healthier gums over time. However, if the gums are already damaged or if there is an underlying health condition that affects gum health, such as periodontitis, additional treatments may be necessary to improve gum health.

How can one maintain clean, white gums?
Maintaining clean, healthy gums is an important part of overall oral health. While the colour of gums can vary from person to person and is not necessarily an indicator of health, there are some steps you can take to promote healthy, pink gums:

Practice good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. This can help prevent gum disease and promote healthy, pink gums.

Use a gentle toothbrush
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing too hard or using abrasive toothpaste, which can damage the gums and cause a recession.

Rinse with mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent gum disease. Look for a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to avoid drying out the gums.

Eat a healthy diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help promote overall health, including healthy gums. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Avoid smoking
Smoking can cause a host of oral health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking can help improve gum health and prevent further damage.

Regular dental check-ups
Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings can help detect and treat any potential oral health problems before they become more serious. Ridhi summarises by observing that there are some potential downsides attached to teeth cleaning but the benefits of maintaining good oral health generally outweigh the risks. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your dentist to ensure that you are comfortable and informed about the procedure.

Also Read: Bactrim for Tooth Infections: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment and Considerations