Professional Oral Hygiene at the Dentist
Regular professional oral hygiene is essential for maintaining long-term dental health. Our experienced and specially trained prophylaxis assistants at Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling provide comprehensive oral hygiene treatments to help keep your teeth healthy and beautiful over time. Book a consultation appointment and experience the difference.
Introduction to Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene includes all measures used to clean and care for the teeth and gums in order to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Proper oral hygiene also supports overall health and ensures fresh breath. Regular prophylaxis, also known as professional teeth cleaning, plays a crucial role in this process. It is the most effective preventive therapy to avoid damage to teeth and gums before painful and costly treatments become necessary. Proper dental care is therefore an essential component of lifelong oral health. We recommend scheduling a dental check-up at our clinic twice a year.
Here you will learn why proper dental care is so important and which benefits professional oral hygiene offers.
Why is professional oral hygiene important?
Thorough oral hygiene is essential for the long-term health of teeth and gums. By preventing the accumulation of bacteria, tooth decay and gum disease can be effectively avoided, which also has a positive impact on overall health.
Our experienced prophylaxis assistants at Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling support our patients in maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home. You will receive individually tailored guidance on proper tooth cleaning techniques as well as recommendations for suitable dental care aids such as dental floss, mouth rinses, and specialized brushes. Practical instructions are also provided for the correct care of dentures, braces, and other dental appliances.
Professional teeth cleaning plays a central role in oral hygiene. It goes beyond daily home care by removing stubborn tartar and plaque even from hard-to-reach areas. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease while also ensuring bright teeth and fresh breath. Professional cleaning is especially important for patients with periodontal disease, improper brushing habits, or chronic systemic conditions.
Another key aspect of oral hygiene is the maintenance of a healthy oral microbiome, which helps control harmful bacteria and protect both gums and teeth. Regular and thorough oral hygiene can also effectively prevent bad breath and tooth discoloration, contributing to a well-groomed appearance.
For children, who often feel anxious about dental visits, professional teeth cleaning offers an opportunity to gain positive experiences. Through gentle and pain-free treatment, children learn that visiting the dentist is nothing to fear and that dental cleaning can even be enjoyable. This helps establish the foundation for lifelong, anxiety-free dental care.
In the long term, consistent oral hygiene combined with regular dental check-ups helps prevent tooth loss by allowing dental conditions to be detected and treated early, before they develop into serious problems.
Benefits of Professional Oral Hygiene
Professional oral hygiene offers numerous benefits:
- In addition to thorough cleaning, which removes stains caused by tea, coffee, nicotine, and other substances and helps brighten the teeth, it also combats bad breath by eliminating harmful bacteria.
- Another key advantage is early detection of dental problems. During professional cleaning, early signs of dental issues can be identified and treated in time, before more extensive procedures become necessary.
- Professional teeth cleaning also contributes to overall health by reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, which may lower the risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regular check-ups can also help minimize the risk of oral cancer, as suspicious changes can be detected at an early stage.
- For patients with dental restorations such as bridges, crowns, or implants, regular prophylaxis is especially important to ensure the long-term durability of these restorations.
Although professional oral hygiene and preventive dental check-ups involve initial costs, they help save money in the long run by preventing expensive treatments such as root canal therapy or tooth extractions. In addition, professional oral hygiene promotes overall well-being and quality of life.
Scientific Studies
Current scientific studies and research findings emphasize the close connection between oral hygiene and overall health. Thorough oral hygiene, including regular professional teeth cleanings, is essential to prevent the accumulation of bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, triggering inflammatory responses and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Studies show that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of periodontal disease and related health issues such as poorly controlled diabetes (Springer study). More recent research highlights that regular professional oral hygiene sessions can significantly reduce the risk of serious health problems (BMC Cardiovascular Disorders study).
Tips and Tricks for At-Home Oral Hygiene
A thorough at-home oral hygiene routine is essential for your health. It significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- The first step is choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is gentle on the gums while effectively removing plaque.
-
Electric toothbrushes are particularly effective, as their oscillating and/or rotating movements often remove plaque more thoroughly than manual toothbrushes and they frequently include pressure sensors to protect the gums.
- You should also use a fluoride toothpaste to help minimize the risk of cavities.
- Equally important is the regular use of dental floss, interdental brushes, and tongue cleaners, as these tools help clean hard-to-reach spaces between the teeth.
- An antibacterial mouthwash can further help reduce bacteria that cause bad breath and inflammation.
Under the guidance of a specially trained prophylaxis assistant, you can learn the correct use of these tools and the optimal brushing technique through an individually tailored oral hygiene training session. In addition, a low-sugar, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium-containing foods is crucial for dental health and helps strengthen tooth enamel. Avoid sugary foods, as they promote the development of tooth decay.
Our Professional Oral Hygiene Treatments
Discover our comprehensive oral hygiene treatments and their added value beyond daily at-home dental care. Even with thorough brushing twice a day, it is often not possible to completely remove all deposits from tooth surfaces, bridges, and implants. These deposits, known as plaque, can quickly harden into tartar (calculus) and provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. As a result, unsightly discoloration and sensitive tooth necks may develop. In addition, the risk of serious dental problems such as periodontitis and tooth decay increases. In the worst case, the supporting structures of the teeth can be damaged, leading to tooth mobility.
For these reasons, it is recommended to undergo professional prophylaxis (oral hygiene) and a dental check-up on a regular basis, ideally once or twice a year. Our experienced dental team will recommend a personalized oral hygiene program tailored to your needs. This treatment gently removes all deposits and smooths the tooth surfaces to help prevent future buildup and ensure long-term oral health.
Dental Prophylaxis
At our dental clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of specialized prophylaxis treatments tailored to your individual needs.
- These include thorough teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and customized preventive measures to optimally support your oral health.
- We place special emphasis on oral hygiene for children and adolescents, helping them understand the importance of dental care from an early age and reducing anxiety about future treatments.
- For patients with implants or dental restorations, meticulous oral hygiene is essential to prevent inflammation and implant loss. Our specialized treatments help preserve implants and restorations over the long term.
- Especially during pregnancy, regular oral hygiene appointments are important, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease. We offer gentle, safe treatments specifically adapted to the needs of pregnant patients.
- We also treat periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Our specialized therapies aim to stop disease progression and support gum regeneration.
Treatment Process of Professional Oral Hygiene
Education and Initial Examination
Before every professional teeth cleaning (PTC), a check-up appointment with one of our dentists is required to tailor the treatment precisely to your individual needs. This allows cavities and other dental conditions to be detected at an early stage. Before starting any treatment, we carry out a comprehensive examination of the oral cavity to assess the current condition of your teeth and gums. This enables us to determine the optimal approach for your personal oral hygiene care.
Professional Teeth Cleaning (PTC)
During professional teeth cleaning, specialized instruments are used, including hand instruments, ultrasonic devices, and air polishing systems, to effectively remove tartar and bacterial deposits. Discoloration in the spaces between the teeth is gently removed using polishing strips to help prevent gum inflammation and potential gum recession. This is followed by polishing and fluoride application. The teeth are polished to create a smooth surface that makes it more difficult for plaque to reaccumulate. A final fluoride treatment strengthens the tooth enamel and helps protect against tooth decay.
A session usually lasts about one hour and is generally pain-free, although some teeth may be sensitive during the treatment. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer individually tailored treatments focused on relaxation and pain relief, including local anesthesia if required. After the cleaning, our prophylaxis assistants demonstrate the most effective brushing techniques and advise you on suitable oral care products, ensuring optimal dental health at home.
Recall
Based on your individual needs and the effectiveness of your at-home oral hygiene, we recommend maintaining a regular prophylaxis interval of 3 to 12 months. Upon request, we are happy to remind you of your next appointment.
Author
Dr. Matthias Göstel
Dentist, Medical Director
Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling
23.12.2025
We’re Here for You!
Phone
You can reach us Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM to schedule your appointment by phone.
01 320 97 97 →
Online Booking
Prefer to book your appointment at your convenience? Use our online booking system — available 24/7.
Book an appointment online →
Would you like to contact us directly? Simply send us an email — we look forward to hearing from you!
office@zwd.at →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at any time and schedule a consultation appointment. We are available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at +43 1 320 97 97. You are also welcome to use our online appointment booking. We look forward to welcoming you!
Professional oral hygiene includes specialized dental procedures such as the thorough cleaning of teeth, gums, and interdental spaces. These treatments go beyond daily tooth brushing and aim to remove stubborn deposits, tartar, and plaque in order to maintain long-term oral health.
It is recommended to have professional oral hygiene and a dental check-up performed once or twice a year. Depending on individual needs, such as existing gum disease or a high risk of tooth decay, shorter intervals may also be advisable.
In most cases, the treatment is pain-free. However, some patients may experience mild sensitivity in certain teeth. If necessary, local anesthetics can be used to make the treatment more comfortable, especially for patients with dental anxiety.
The cost of professional oral hygiene may vary depending on the scope of the treatment. Our team will be happy to advise you individually and answer all your questions regarding oral hygiene.
A professional teeth cleaning (PTC) includes the removal of plaque and tartar using specialized instruments, polishing the teeth to smooth the surfaces, and a final fluoride application to strengthen the tooth enamel. Hard-to-reach areas are also thoroughly cleaned.
Professional oral hygiene helps prevent dental diseases such as tooth decay and periodontitis, complements daily at-home care, and supports overall health. Regular removal of bacteria and deposits also reduces the risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Yes, especially for children it is important to become accustomed to thorough dental care at an early age. Professional oral hygiene treatments for children and adolescents help prevent tooth decay. They learn proper at-home oral hygiene habits, which helps them develop and maintain healthy teeth.
Yes, especially for patients with dental implants or restorations, regular professional cleaning is important to prevent inflammation and ensure the long-term durability of the dental restorations.
While at-home oral hygiene includes daily tooth brushing and flossing, professional oral hygiene focuses on the thorough removal of hard and soft deposits that often cannot be completely eliminated at home.
Yes, special oral hygiene treatments are recommended during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease. Professional teeth cleaning (PTC) has no negative effects on the unborn child and can be safely performed during pregnancy. Gentle and safe methods are tailored to the specific needs of pregnant patients.
Saliva is not only important for swallowing and speaking, but also plays a crucial role in oral health. It contains various components, including enzymes, proteins, minerals, and antibodies, which help regulate the pH level in the mouth, neutralize bacteria, and remineralize tooth enamel. A balanced saliva flow reduces the risk of tooth decay and supports the natural cleaning of the teeth.
A toothbrushing training session conducted by a dentist or a prophylaxis assistant helps patients learn the correct technique for daily tooth brushing. This is particularly important to effectively clean all tooth surfaces and remove plaque and bacteria. Proper toothbrushing training significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease and therefore promotes long-term oral health.
Tartar is hardened dental plaque that develops from plaque and is heavily loaded with bacteria. These bacteria can irritate the gums and cause inflammation, which may lead to periodontitis. In addition, tartar increases the risk of tooth decay because it makes tooth surfaces rough, promoting the accumulation of further plaque. Regular tartar removal by a prophylaxis assistant is essential to minimize these risks and maintain oral health.
A prophylaxis assistant is specially trained to carry out preventive measures to maintain oral health, including professional teeth cleanings, tartar removal, and individualized guidance on daily dental care. Prophylaxis assistants are experts in the early detection of oral health issues and play a key role in reducing the risk of tooth decay and the development of gum disease.
Sensitive teeth and exposed tooth necks can make oral hygiene uncomfortable, but there are several ways to reduce pain. First, your dentist should assess your sensitivity to determine the underlying cause. Special toothpastes for sensitive teeth containing potassium or strontium salts can help calm the nerve endings inside the tooth. During professional oral hygiene treatment, a numbing toothpaste or gel can be applied to minimize discomfort. In particularly sensitive cases, local anesthesia may be used to ensure a pain-free treatment experience.
Professional oral hygiene is by no means a luxury, but an essential measure for maintaining oral health. Regular professional teeth cleanings help remove stubborn deposits and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, good oral hygiene has a positive impact on overall health, as it can reduce the risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Investing in regular professional oral hygiene is therefore a sensible preventive measure that can help avoid more costly and painful treatments in the long term.
Poor oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. These infections may enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammatory responses, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even respiratory illnesses. Periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, has also been linked to a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. In addition, chronic inflammation resulting from poor oral hygiene may contribute to the development of oral cancer.
Dentists play a key role in oral hygiene by carrying out regular dental check-ups. These examinations allow early detection of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, enabling timely and targeted treatment. Orthodontists, in particular, support patients with braces by helping them maintain optimal oral hygiene. They recommend specialized cleaning techniques and tools designed to effectively clean teeth and gums, even when fixed orthodontic appliances are in place. In addition, they provide personalized advice on improving daily dental care routines and preventing oral diseases in the long term.