Oral hygiene: a preventive appointment for the health of your teeth and gums

Professional oral hygiene is the foundation of prevention in dentistry.

The oral hygiene appointment includes the removal of tartar and bacterial plaque, tooth polishing, and personalised guidance for daily oral health care.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, the oral hygiene appointment is carried out with rigour and individualised attention, using state-of-the-art instruments, to maintain the health of the teeth and gums and prevent diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.

If you are looking for a comprehensive and personalised oral hygiene appointment, book your appointment to take care of your smile's health.

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Technology Supporting Oral Hygiene Appointments

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the oral hygiene appointment is complemented by digital imaging examinations that allow assessment of the patient's oral health status and identification of conditions requiring treatment.

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General Assessment with Panoramic X-ray

General Assessment with Panoramic X-ray

The digital panoramic X-ray provides a panoramic view of the entire dental structure, the jaws, and the temporomandibular joints. This examination allows identification of conditions such as hidden caries, subgingival calculus, bone loss, and other changes that may not be visible on clinical examination.

Early Detection with Bitewing Radiographs

Early Detection with Bitewing Radiographs

Bitewing radiographs are used to detect cavities between the teeth and assess the level of the alveolar bone crest. They are an essential complement to the oral hygiene appointment, particularly for identifying interproximal caries at an early stage.

Digital record with intraoral scan

Digital record with intraoral scan

The 3D intraoral scanner allows the creation of a digital record of the patient's dental arches. This record can be used to monitor changes in the dentition over time and to support precise planning of future treatments.

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“Prevention is the best treatment. Regular oral hygiene appointments help maintain the health of teeth and gums, detect problems at an early stage, and avoid more complex treatments in the future. It is the most important investment in oral health.”

Dr. Paulo Cardozo

Clinical Director and Dentist

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What is professional oral hygiene and why is it important?

What is professional oral hygiene and why is it important?

Professional oral hygiene is the preventive procedure consisting of the removal of tartar (dental calculus) and bacterial plaque from tooth surfaces and the gum line.

It is carried out by the dentist or the oral hygienist and complements the daily oral hygiene care that the patient performs at home.

Even with regular brushing and flossing, tartar commonly accumulates in hard-to-reach areas, such as the spaces between teeth and below the gum line.

Tartar is a calcified form of bacterial plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and, if not eliminated, can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, over time, periodontal disease (periodontitis).

The oral hygiene appointment includes a scale and polish (removal of tartar), polishing of tooth surfaces, and personalised guidance on brushing techniques, flossing, and other oral hygiene aids.

In some cases, it may include the application of fluoride for additional enamel protection.

The recommended frequency for oral hygiene appointments is usually every six months. However, the dentist may recommend a different frequency — for example, every three or four months — for patients with periodontal disease, greater tartar build-up, or additional risk factors.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the oral hygiene appointment is adapted to the needs of each patient, with the aim of maintaining long-term oral health and preventing complications.

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What our patients say

I have my oral hygiene appointment every six months and notice an enormous difference in the health of my gums. The team is attentive and professional.

Catarina Vasques

The scale and polish was quick and comfortable. The dentist explained how to improve my brushing technique, and my teeth feel so much cleaner.

Tiago Dantas

I took my son to his oral hygiene appointment and we were both very pleased. The approach was careful and perfectly suited to his age.

Ana Rodrigues

4 steps for your Oral Hygiene appointment

4 Steps to Your Oral Hygiene Appointment

The oral hygiene appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follows a structured protocol, from the initial assessment through to guidance on daily care, adapted to the needs of each patient.

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Clinical assessment and diagnosis

At the appointment, the dentist carries out a clinical examination of the mouth, teeth and gums to identify the presence of tartar, bacterial plaque, gum inflammation and other changes. Imaging examinations such as a panoramic X-ray (OPG) or bitewings may be requested for a more complete assessment.

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Scaling and professional cleaning

Scale and polish is performed using ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove tartar that has accumulated on tooth surfaces and below the gum line. This step is essential for eliminating bacteria, reducing gum inflammation and preventing the progression of periodontal disease.

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Polishing and fluoride application

After scaling, the tooth surfaces are polished to remove superficial stains and create a smooth surface that makes it harder for new bacterial plaque to accumulate. In some cases, a fluoride gel is applied to strengthen the dental enamel and protect against decay.

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Guidance and preventive planning

At the end of the appointment, the dentist provides personalised guidance on brushing techniques, flossing and other daily oral hygiene habits. The ideal frequency for the next hygiene appointment is determined according to the individual needs of the patient.

Everything you need to know about oral hygiene

Everything you need to know about oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is the area of dentistry dedicated to the prevention of oral diseases.

The professional oral hygiene appointment is the fundamental cornerstone of any oral health plan, as it removes build-up that daily hygiene cannot eliminate and detects problems at an early stage.

Dental plaque is a biofilm that forms naturally on the teeth and, if not removed regularly, mineralises and turns into tartar.

Tartar is a hard substance that adheres to tooth surfaces and can only be removed with professional instruments. Its presence promotes gum inflammation and the progression of periodontal disease.

Gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums, is the initial and reversible stage of periodontal disease.

The most common signs include red, swollen gums that tend to bleed during brushing.

When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that affects the supporting tissues of the tooth and can result in tooth loss.

The oral hygiene appointment is also an opportunity for the dentist to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the patient's oral health, identify cavities at an early stage, evaluate the condition of existing restorations, and plan preventive or corrective treatments when necessary.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the oral hygiene appointment is carried out with individualised attention and forms the basis of the preventive care provided to all patients.

If you wish to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, book your appointment.

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Main Problems Prevented and Treated at Oral Hygiene Appointments

The oral hygiene appointment plays a central role in the prevention and early treatment of various oral conditions. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each patient receives an individualised assessment. Find out about the most common problems.

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Calculus and Plaque Accumulation

Calculus and Plaque Accumulation

The accumulation of tartar on tooth surfaces and below the gum line is one of the main causes of gum inflammation and periodontal disease.

Tartar cannot be removed by home brushing and requires professional intervention.

Scaling removes tartar deposits, reduces the bacterial load, and restores gum health.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the cleaning is performed using ultrasonic and manual instruments to ensure effective and comfortable removal.

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Gingivitis (Gingival Inflammation)

Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)

Gingivitis presents as red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing.

It is the initial, reversible stage of periodontal disease, caused by the build-up of plaque along the gum line.

Treatment includes professional scaling and guidance on improving daily oral hygiene habits.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, gingivitis is treated early to prevent it from progressing to periodontitis.

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Prevention of Dental Cavities

Prevention of Dental Caries

The oral hygiene appointment allows early-stage cavities to be identified — often invisible to the naked eye — through clinical examination and radiographs such as bitewing X-rays.

Early detection enables conservative and less invasive treatments.

The removal of bacterial plaque and the application of fluoride contribute to the prevention of new cavities.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the hygiene appointment includes a comprehensive assessment and guidance to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

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Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Bad breath can have multiple causes, but is frequently associated with the accumulation of bacterial plaque, tartar, and food debris in hard-to-reach areas.

Periodontal disease and inadequate oral hygiene are aggravating factors.

Scaling and polishing significantly reduce the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the dentist assesses the origin of the bad breath and advises the patient on the care needed to manage it.

Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, the oral hygiene appointment is carried out with clinical rigour and individualised attention, to maintain the health of the teeth and gums and prevent long-term complications.

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If you are looking for a comprehensive and personalised oral hygiene appointment, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and take care of your smile's health in a preventive and regular manner.

  • Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo

    R. Vasco da Gama 6,

    2130-197 Benavente, Portugal

  • Telephone: +351 263 516 773

    Mobile: +351 919 366 534

    geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt

Frequently asked questionsabout oral hygiene

Clinical Rigour and International Standards

The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), and the World Health Organization — Oral Health.

The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.

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