Removing tartar.
Or professional teeth cleaning?

01 What exactly is tartar?

A soft deposit of bacteria and their components repeatedly forms on teeth. It is also known as plaque or biofilm. When minerals from saliva are incorporated into it, the deposit can harden: tartar forms. Normal brushing can then no longer remove it.

Tartar removal uses suitable instruments to remove these hard deposits. It is a clearly defined procedure. It does not automatically mean that all the steps of professional teeth cleaning have also been carried out.

02 What does professional teeth cleaning add?

Professional teeth cleaning also addresses soft deposits, accessible spaces between teeth and external staining. Depending on the situation, it includes smoothing and polishing surfaces and suitable fluoride applications. Another important part is advice on daily care: which interdental brush fits, and where are deposits easily left behind when brushing?

Cleaning is adapted to your teeth and restorations. It complements oral care at home. It does not specifically lighten the natural tooth colour as whitening does; removing surface deposits may simply make teeth look brighter.

03 Does everyone need the same interval?

No. The appropriate interval depends on factors including gum health, deposits, your own cleaning and existing restorations. More appointments do not automatically mean more benefit. For otherwise good oral health, additional protection from routine cleaning is not clearly established in every situation.

It is therefore worth asking: “Why is this interval recommended for me?” An interval agreed at one point can be adjusted later. If periodontitis is already present, it needs its own treatment and aftercare plan. General professional teeth cleaning alone does not replace that treatment.

04 Are the costs different too?

Tartar removal and professional teeth cleaning must also be distinguished for billing. General professional teeth cleaning is not a standard benefit of German statutory health insurance. Its cost depends on factors including the extent and work involved. Voluntary contributions from a health insurer or private reimbursement depend on the relevant terms.

Ask for individual cost information in advance and clarify any possible contribution directly with your insurer. An agreement to cover tartar removal does not mean an agreement to pay for full professional teeth cleaning.

05 What should I mention at the appointment?

You do not need to choose the appropriate method yourself. It is more useful to describe your starting point. A short checklist for the conversation:

• Which areas are sensitive or bleed when brushing?
• What restorations or removable aligners or splints do you have?
• Which medical conditions, medicines or allergies need to be considered?
• Which cleaning aids suit the spaces between my teeth?

Speak openly about any uncertainty. The aim is to understand your own needs and the next steps – including daily care between appointments.