Simple instructions for cleaning your teeth
Thorough teeth cleaning prevents dental caries, i.e. tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis, an infection that damages the tissues supporting the teeth.
Our dental hygienists are teeth cleaning experts, specialising in particular in the removal of tartar and stains. They will also give you personalised instructions for cleaning your teeth.
Our dentists will refer you to a dental hygienist – for example, during a dental check-up – if there are any issues that our dental hygienists can help you with. You can also book an appointment with a dental hygienist yourself. Please note that if you book an appointment with a dental hygienist without a referral, you will not be reimbursed by Kela for the treatment.
Book an appointment with a dental hygienist by using Mehiläinen’s appointment booking service or calling +358 (0)10 273 8000 (local network rate/mobile charge).
Book an appointment with a dental hygienistOral diseases affect the whole body
Oral infections do not just stay in the mouth. They affect the whole body: poor oral health may be a risk factor for heart attack, stroke and many other serious illnesses. Many chronic diseases are also easier to manage when there is no inflammation in the mouth.
Plaque that builds up on the surface of the teeth gradually hardens into tartar, which allows bacteria to attach to its rough surface. Bacteria in the plaque cause tooth decay. Slowly, the bacterial plaque also enters the space underneath the gum and causes inflammation.
In practice, good teeth cleaning means brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning your interdental spaces daily.
Learn more:
A healthy mouth helps you cope better
How to clean your teeth
- Electric toothbrush
The best tool for cleaning teeth is an electric toothbrush with a soft brush head. Not only does an electric toothbrush clean teeth effectively, but most electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor, making it easy to avoid brushing too hard. The electric toothbrush is used to clean teeth by going over the surfaces of the teeth one by one. The electric toothbrush is used by moving the brush from one tooth to the other, not in a back and forth motion like with a regular toothbrush. - Regular toothbrush
With a regular toothbrush, teeth are brushed in a back and forth motion on each surface, avoiding excessive pressure. Brushing too hard is harmful to the gums and can cause gum recession. The easiest way to clean your teeth is to create an order that suits you and repeat it every time. This will ensure that all surfaces are cleaned. - Toothpaste
Fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay, and you should choose a toothpaste that contains 0.11–0.15% fluoride for brushing your teeth. After brushing, don’t rinse your mouth. This ensures that the fluoride will stay on your teeth and do its job.
Cleaning the interdental spaces
- The interdental spaces should be cleaned daily using dental floss and a silicone stick.
- The floss is slid between the teeth to clean the contact surface between the teeth.
- The silicone stick is used to go through the interdental spaces at the gumline in such a way that the stick also gently passes under the gum.
- If it is difficult for you to find time to clean your interdental spaces and gums during your evening routine, you can do it at any time of the day. The most important thing is to clean your teeth and interdental spaces every day.
Dental hygienist Jenni Tahkoniemi acted as the specialist for this article.
Service | Mobile Benefit price | Hinta-arvio |
---|---|---|
Dental check-up | 51.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 81.00 € | |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 88.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118.00 € | |
Lasten ja nuorten hammastarkastus Hinnat sisältävät poliklinikkamaksun (33,90 €). Varaa lasten ja nuorten hammastarkastus Prices 165.75–232.75 €, without Kela reimbursement 185.90–252.90 € | from 165.75 € Without Kela reimbursement from 185.90 € | |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 95.00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €80. | 106.00 € Without Kela reimbursement 115.00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Prices 126.00–171.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 134.00–189.00 € | from 126.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 134.00 € | |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 91.00–253.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101.00–276.00 € | from 91.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101.00 € | |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Prices 271.00–693.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 271.00–750.00 € | from 271.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 271.00 € | |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Prices 598.00–755.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 598.00–755.00 € | from 598.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 598.00 € | |
Chipped tooth Prices 91.00–253.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101.00–276.00 € | from 91.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101.00 € | |
Tooth extraction Prices 105.00–709.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 115.00–771.00 € | from 105.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 115.00 € | |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Prices 95.00–436.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 95.00–436.00 € | from 95.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 95.00 € | |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. | Free Kela reimbursement deducted from the price | |
Anaesthesia Prices 36.00–37.00 €, without Kela reimbursement 39.00–40.00 € | from 36.00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 39.00 € |
Frequently asked questions about teeth cleaning
Thorough teeth cleaning prevents caries, gingivitis and periodontitis, an infection that affects the gums and the tissues supporting the teeth.
Dental hygienists specialise in the removal of tartar and stains. They will also give you personalised instructions for cleaning your teeth.
Oral diseases can affect the whole body, and poor oral health can be a risk factor for heart attack and stroke as well as many other serious illnesses.
Plaque that builds up on the surface of the teeth hardens into tartar, which allows bacteria to attach to its rough surface. Bacteria in the plaque cause tooth decay and can eventually lead to inflammation of the gums.
In practice, good teeth cleaning means brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning your interdental spaces daily. The best tool for cleaning teeth is an electric toothbrush with a soft brush head. Toothpaste that contains fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay, and you should choose a toothpaste that contains 0.11–0.15% fluoride for brushing your teeth. After brushing, don’t rinse your mouth. This ensures that the fluoride will stay on your teeth and do its job.