Teeth like from a commercial in half an hour? Forget it. According to experts, this is a dangerous trend. The latest report of the National Center for Health Information (NCZI) shows that the number of dental hygiene procedures in Slovakia has increased by almost 60,000 procedures, but the number of unprofessional and superficial treatments is also increasing.
Many patients will pay for “professional dental hygiene” but only get a quick tartar removal. According to a nationwide survey, up to 23 percent of Slovaks let themselves be caught in this way.
„Half-hour dental hygiene is a fraud on the patient. If the treatment ends in 30 minutes, the patient should ask what he actually received. Such a short treatment does not remove all impurities, does not include a detailed diagnosis or professional instructions for home care. This is no longer dental hygiene, but a quick and incomplete intervention,” warns Michaela Klein, chief dental hygienist at the dental clinic Dr. Martin and head of the Department of Dental Hygiene at the Slovak Medical University.
Interest is growing, but so is risk
The latest NCZI report states that the number of interventions increased by almost 60,000. This means that Slovaks are beginning to realize that dental care is not a luxury, but a necessity. The problem is that many fall into the hands of non-experts. “We have to be careful who we entrust the care of our teeth to. Dental hygiene should only be performed by a certified dental hygienist or dentist. If it is performed by a preventive practitioner or a nurse, it is an illegal practice.” points out Michaela Klein.
Unprofessional cleaning = hidden problem
“Patients often think they’ve had their teeth thoroughly cleaned, but in reality they’ve only removed surface tartar. Without deep cleaning, sandblasting and fluoridation, inflammation and plaque quickly return. The result can be gum irritation, increased tooth sensitivity, or even enamel damage.” explains Klein.
Source: archive of Dr. Martin
5 warning signs of poor dental hygiene:
1. The entire treatment took less than 45 minutes.
2. The hygienist did not explain to you how to take care of your teeth at home.
3. There was no sandblasting (air-flow) or fluoridation after the procedure.
4. The treatment was performed by a person without proven education in dental hygiene.
5. The price was suspiciously low – or you didn’t know exactly what was included.
You have the right to know who is brushing your teeth
The expert therefore recommends checking who is performing the procedure: “Patients should be vigilant and ask about the scope of the service provided. If dental hygiene is performed by a person without adequate education, it can lead to incomplete treatment, as well as damage to the enamel or gums. If in doubt, feel free to request a certificate of professional competence.” points out Michaela Klein. Dental hygiene is not an express brushing of the teeth, but a complex process that should take at least 45 to 60 minutes. If someone promises you a “quick clean”, you may leave with a smile, but not a healthy one.
