How useful is a professional teeth cleaning really?

It's a dental service that's rarely covered by health insurance – and yet it's one that many dentists recommend. How effective is a professional teeth cleaning really in protecting against tooth decay or periodontitis? Experts are surprisingly divided on this issue. Berlin (dpa) – Professional dental cleaning is a common add-on service in dental practices, but some patients may wonder if it's worth the extra cost. A professional teeth cleaning is a step above your usual toothbrush and flossing routine, involving a more intensive procedure performed by specially trained staff. It includes removing deposits such as tartar and plaque from tooth and root surfaces, smoothing tooth surfaces, and cleaning the spaces between teeth. Finally, the teeth are fluoridated in gel or varnish form for prot