Doc, is it true? Can regular dental cleaning damage the teeth’s enamel and cause sensitivity

The claim: Regular dental cleaning and scaling damages the teeth’s enamel

“A smile is the best makeup a girl could wear,” Marilyn Monroe, one of the most beautiful women in history, was indeed right (as always) when she said this. But there’s more – a beautiful smile is not just an indicator of one’s personality, but also of one’s health. So, what goes into the making of a beautiful smile? Healthy teeth and gums. Now here’s where things get interesting. Though dentists urge people to attend regular dental check-ups, many hesitate. One common concern: will regular dental cleaning and scaling lead to enamel damage and sensitivity?

We asked Dr Baiju Hariharan, a registered dental surgeon and member of the Indian Dental Association, with 27 years of clinical experience, based in Haripad, Kerala.

Is it true that regular dental cleaning may cause damage to the teeth’s enamel?

The verdict: FALSE

“One of the common questions I get as a dental professional is, ‘Doc, won’t cleaning my teeth wear away the enamel or cause sensitivity?’” Dr Hariharan said in an interview with The Times of India. He agrees that it’s a genuine concern; however, it is also a misplaced one.

“Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It serves as a protective layer for your teeth, shielding the inner layers from decay, sensitivity, and damage. On occasions where we have to place fixed teeth or crowns, a diamond burr is used to cut the surface,” he explained.

Cleaning teeth professionally by a dentist won’t damage your teeth, the doctor said. “Teeth cleaning, on the other hand, is done using an advanced device called an ultrasonic scaler. This instrument cannot create even the slightest scratch on your enamel or tooth structure. That is the truth,” he added.

Professional teeth cleaning is effective in removing plaque deposits and preventing many diseases.

How often should you book a dental appointment?

Most people assume that they need a dental check-up every six months. However, NHS UK says that this may differ depending on the person. Some people may not need to go so often, and others may need more frequent checks. Only your dentist can suggest how frequently. This depends on the state of your oral health.

“The time between check-ups can vary from three months to two years, depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are and your risk of future problems,” the health agency said.

A recent study by researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine found that nearly one in three young adults skipped visits to the dentist in the past year. “Young adults, aged 18 to 35 years, were the most likely to report not having visited a dentist within the past 12 months. This is very troubling,” Yau-Hua Yu, the study’s author and an associate professor of periodontology at the School of Dental Medicine, said in a statement.

The impact of poor oral health is beyond what most people assume. It is even linked to shortened life expectancy and other negative health outcomes, the researchers said.

So, the next time someone scares you with the old myth, show them your prettiest smile, and perhaps enlighten them!

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.