Professional Teeth Cleaning in Riga That Prevents Caries

Frequently asked questions

• What are dental sealants and at what age are they applied? +

  A sealant is a protective material applied to the grooves on the chewing surface of a tooth to stop caries from developing. It works particularly well for children: on milk teeth it is best applied at the age of 3–4, on the first permanent molars at 6–7, and on the remaining back teeth at 11–13. Adults can have sealants too, but only on healthy teeth. With good oral hygiene a sealant lasts several years.

• Why is brushing at home not enough, and when should you see a hygienist? +

  Even regular brushing at home leaves plaque behind in the places a brush cannot reach: between the teeth, along the gum line and in the grooves of the chewing surfaces. Over time that plaque hardens into tartar, which a toothbrush can no longer remove, and tartar is the main cause of gum inflammation and periodontitis. Adults are advised to see a hygienist at least once a year; regular smokers and patients with gum problems, twice a year.

• How is the hygiene procedure carried out for patients with implants or dentures? +

  Before the procedure the hygienist assesses the condition of your gums and measures the depth of the gum pockets, which shows whether gum recession has begun. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, a topical anaesthetic gel can be applied. The tartar is then removed with an ultrasonic scaler, after which the teeth are polished with an abrasive paste and cleaned with dental floss. For patients with implants, healthy gums matter especially: unhealthy gums can cause an implant to become loose or fall out.

• How should you care for a denture at home? +

  A removable denture should be taken out overnight so that the soft tissues of the mouth can rest and fewer bacteria build up. Clean the denture with a brush outside the mouth; special denture brushes and pastes are made for this. Disinfecting tablets dissolved in water are also recommended. Once the denture is out, clean the mouth itself thoroughly as well, even if no natural teeth remain.

• How much does professional dental hygiene cost in Riga? +

  At the We Care clinic, professional dental hygiene STANDARD costs €80, and PLUS (standard + AirFlow) €90. For children under 18 hygiene can be free of charge under the state programme, and for children aged 7, 11 and 12 even twice a year. The exact price is confirmed after an examination.

• What is AirFlow and why is it used? +

  AirFlow is a teeth-cleaning method in which the teeth are treated under pressure with a mixture of water, air and a special powder. It effectively removes pigmentation left by coffee, tea, wine and smoking, as well as biofilm from areas that are hard to reach. AirFlow is gentler than mechanical cleaning and is often used in addition to ultrasonic cleaning, as the final stage. It is particularly recommended for patients with braces or implants.