Is tooth cleaning a scam?

alaskaguy · 03-13-2008, 12:11 AM

I'd like to know whether tooth cleaning is a scam. Why subject yourself to pain if there is not a clear benefit for doing so?

The research on this topic is inclusive.

Link:
Evidence-Based Dentistry - Insufficient evidence to understand effect of routine scaling and polishing

Phaedrus · 03-13-2008, 01:09 AM

I have always wondered about this. I just don't see how scaling and polishing can improve your teeth. Provided you do regular at home dental maintenance, what difference does it make?

I'm not a regular dental visit kind of guy, but am pretty meticulous about flossing/brushing, and have NEVER had a cavity. I've got some stress-related receding gums, but that's about it.

bostinelosd · 03-13-2008, 09:00 AM

I think bad dental health is genetic. My wife is captain dental health and always has cavaties. I try my hardest to make sure I brush everyday but am lacking on the floss consistency. I have had one cavaty in my life and I think the dentist just needed a new car. I had no pain leading up to that. The dental hygeinist is so rough with her picking, scraping, etc it makes your gums bleed and then she tells you that you have super sensitive gums and it should get looked at my the dentist. Good grief.

Phaedrus · 03-13-2008, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

I think bad dental health is genetic. My wife is captain dental health and always has cavaties. I try my hardest to make sure I brush everyday but am lacking on the floss consistency. I have had one cavaty in my life and I think the dentist just needed a new car. I had no pain leading up to that. The dental hygeinist is so rough with her picking, scraping, etc it makes your gums bleed and then she tells you that you have super sensitive gums and it should get looked at my the dentist. Good grief.

I've had a dental hygenist clean my teeth right after she broke up with her boyfriend. She said that the bleeding was caused by gingivitis. I didn't argue with her, as she still had sharp tools in her hands. You ever hear little girls telling you that they don't like getting their hair brushed when mom is mad?

Well, angry dental hygenists are like that too.

cardinal&gold · 03-13-2008, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Phaedrus

I've had a dental hygenist clean my teeth right after she broke up with her boyfriend. She said that the bleeding was caused by gingivitis. I didn't argue with her, as she still had sharp tools in her hands. You ever hear little girls telling you that they don't like getting their hair brushed when mom is mad?

Well, angry dental hygenists are like that too.

How professional of them to bring their anger with them to work and take it out on us poor unsuspecting folk who just want to get out of the dentist office anyway.

Clonefan94 · 03-13-2008, 09:17 AM

Just go to Europe and look at anyone's teeth who's over the age of 40. That should pretty much sum up your answer right there.

I will agree that I think it could be a little more gentle, but, I'm glad we have the dental system we do.

bostinelosd · 03-13-2008, 09:18 AM

Hey, now they have the pill to drug us while they do it. I have never used it, because I really think its unnecessary, but there has to be a deep rooted reason some folks hate going to the dentist. I will give dentists credit though, they did fill in my chipped tooth nicely.

clonesalltheway · 03-13-2008, 09:19 AM

Kind off the topic, but I have to get my wisdom teeth out tomorrow:(. Not looking forward to that at all!!

bostinelosd · 03-13-2008, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by clonesalltheway

Kind off the topic, but I have to get my wisdom teeth out tomorrow:(. Not looking forward to that at all!!

All four? I had all four and it sucked. I dont know if mine were down deep or what, but it sucked for a couple day. It didnt help that I caught my girlfriend at the time cheating on day one. I threw up in the parking lot from the anesthesia as well. But everyone else I know had a decent time afterward so Im sure youll be fine!

cardinal&gold · 03-13-2008, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by bostinelosd

All four? I had all four and it sucked. I dont know if mine were down deep or what, but it sucked for a couple day. It didnt help that I caught my girlfriend at the time cheating on day one. I threw up in the parking lot from the anesthesia as well. But everyone else I know had a decent time afterward so Im sure youll be fine!

God that sounds like a lousy day.

I also had all four removed at once. No girlfriend cheating occurred, I just went home and slept for 4 days.

cycloneace55 · 03-13-2008, 09:26 AM

I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled and all 4 were impacted. Had to take them out from the sides. Overall it was not too bad but its not like I had alot of fun.

Oh and I have a dentist appointment today to get my teeth cleaned. I hate going to the dentist. Not really for the pain but mainly the condecending nature that the hygenist talks to you. "you need to floss more." Yeah, me and 95% of America.

redrocker · 03-13-2008, 09:34 AM

Not at all.

redrocker · 03-13-2008, 09:34 AM

I know a guy we call "pumpkin", because when he smiles, he looks like a Jack o' Lantern

clones26 · 03-13-2008, 09:35 AM

My sister is a hygentist and would kill me if I missed a cleaning.Oral health is genetic, my wife brushes 2-3 times a day and uses mouthwash AM & PM and always has cavities, etc.. I brush once a day and have had 1 cavity ever, 3 Mt. Dews a day is bad stuff. On the other hand my father didnt go to the dentist for 18 years and when he went, there were no cavities, just usual build up, he thinks chewing ice helped to keep them healthy

bostinelosd · 03-13-2008, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by redrocker

Not at all.

I hope thats a woman. Im so turned on right now.