Professional dental hygiene: scaling, air-flow and brushing
Regular professional cleaning is a simple investment in the health of your smile — it prevents decay, gingivitis and tooth loss.
- Prevents decay and gingivitis
- Removes surface stains
- Comfortable
- Recommended every 6 months
The hygiene protocol combines ultrasonic scaling, fine-powder air-flow and professional brushing. For patients with sensitivity or stubborn stains, we adjust the intensity.
We recommend a hygiene appointment every 6 months — for patients with orthodontic appliances or implants, the interval is 3-4 months.
What happens during a hygiene appointment
The appointment begins with a look at your gums and at the areas where tartar builds up, so that the intensity suits your teeth and gums. Ultrasonic scaling follows, which loosens tartar from the teeth and from below the gum line.
Air-flow uses a fine jet of water, air and powder to remove plaque and the surface stains left by coffee, tea or tobacco, including from hard-to-reach spaces. Professional brushing comes at the end and, where indicated, a fluoride application.
- Assessment of the gums and of areas with tartar
- Ultrasonic scaling, above and below the gum line
- Air-flow for plaque and surface stains
- Professional brushing and, if needed, fluoride application
- Advice on brushing, floss and interdental brushes, shown on your own teeth
Scaling, air-flow and professional brushing: what is the difference
Tartar is mineralised bacterial plaque; once hardened, it no longer comes off with brushing and can only be removed with professional instruments. Scaling removes it. Air-flow does not replace scaling: it cleans soft plaque and stains, especially where instruments reach with difficulty, such as around orthodontic appliances or implants.
Surface stains can be removed at a hygiene appointment, but the tooth's own colour does not change. For teeth whiter than their natural shade, whitening is needed, and it is carried out on teeth that have already been cleaned.
How often, and for whom it matters most
For most people, one appointment every 6 months keeps tartar under control. The interval shortens to 3-4 months for people who wear orthodontic appliances, have implants, have had periodontal disease, smoke or build up tartar quickly.
For patients with implants, regular hygiene is not a detail: inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis) can lead to loss of the bone that supports it, and regular check-ups catch it early.
- Fixed orthodontic appliance or aligners: every 3-4 months
- Dental implants: every 3-4 months
- History of periodontal disease: according to the plan set by the periodontist
- Pregnancy: hygiene is safe and recommended, as the gums are more sensitive
Bleeding gums: a signal, not a reason to postpone
Gums that bleed when brushing are usually a sign of gingivitis, meaning inflammation caused by plaque left at the gum margin. Paradoxically, many patients brush less when they see blood, and the inflammation gets worse.
After a hygiene appointment, the gums may bleed slightly for a few days, then settle as the inflammation subsides. If the bleeding persists or periodontal pockets are present, the dentist will recommend periodontal treatment.
What it includes
- ✓Ultrasonic scaling
- ✓Air-flow (fine powder)
- ✓Professional brushing
- ✓Topical fluoride application
- ✓Guidance on brushing and flossing
Prevention and dental hygiene prices
Indicative fees for prevention and dental hygiene at Smile by Ada, Bucharest. The final price is confirmed at your consultation and depends on the complexity of your case.
- 350 lei≈ €65
Hygiene package (scaling + polishing + fluoride)
- 100 lei≈ €20
Airflow (per arch)
- 600 lei≈ €110
Cleaning of All-on 4/6 restorations (per restoration)
Fees are charged in Romanian lei (RON). Euro amounts are approximate, at today's National Bank of Romania rate.
See all dental prices →The Smile by Ada prevention team
Dental hygienist · Prevention
Gentle, thorough hygiene sessions with air-flow and ultrasonic scaling — plus a prevention plan tailored to each patient.
Frequently asked questions
Does scaling weaken the enamel?
No — it removes only tartar and plaque, not enamel. This is a common myth. Skipping scaling, however, leads to gingivitis and, over time, bone loss.
How often should I have a hygiene appointment?
Every 6 months for most patients. For those with orthodontic braces, implants or a tendency to build up tartar, we recommend every 3-4 months.
Does scaling hurt?
For most patients it does not hurt; some brief sensitivity may occur, especially where the gum is inflamed or receding. For patients with high sensitivity we adjust the intensity or use local anaesthetic.
Will a hygiene appointment whiten my teeth?
It removes surface stains, so your teeth look cleaner and brighter, but it does not change their natural colour. For a lighter shade you need professional whitening, carried out after the hygiene appointment.
What should I avoid after a hygiene appointment?
In the first few hours avoid coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, because teeth stain more easily right after air-flow. Your gums may feel slightly sensitive for a day or two.
Is hygiene treatment safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is recommended: during pregnancy the gums become inflamed more easily. The second trimester is usually the most comfortable period for an appointment.