Hygiene & prevention
Dental hygiene in Lugano and Bellinzona
Prevention is the most effective treatment of all. A regular professional hygiene appointment keeps your teeth and gums healthy and catches problems before they become expensive.
Why it matters
Almost 75% of adults experience gum disease at some point in their lives, and it remains the leading cause of tooth loss. Regular professional hygiene, combined with an annual check-up, is the most effective and economical way to prevent it: a hygiene appointment costs a fraction of any treatment that follows neglect. If your gums bleed, a hygiene appointment is also the first step towards a diagnosis — you can read more on our gum disease page.
What a hygiene appointment involves
Our qualified dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar (scaling), including below the gum line, polish the tooth surfaces and assess the health of your gums, flagging any early decay or other findings to the dentist. An appointment typically lasts 40 to 60 minutes and includes personalised advice on brushing, flossing, interdental brushes and diet, tailored to your mouth and your habits.
Scaling: why tartar has to go
Plaque that is not removed by brushing hardens within a few weeks into tartar (calculus), a deposit so firm that no amount of home care can shift it. Tartar harbours more bacteria, irritates the gums and, if left below the gum line, paves the way for gingivitis and periodontitis. Professional scaling, using ultrasonic and hand instruments, removes it thoroughly and gently, without harming the enamel.
Air polishing
We also offer air polishing: a fine, gentle jet of air, water and powder that lifts away plaque, bacterial biofilm and surface staining from coffee, tea or smoking, even in the spots that are hardest to reach. It is quick, non-invasive and remarkably comfortable — and particularly useful for patients with braces or implants, where conventional instruments struggle to get in.
How often?
The Swiss Dental Association (SSO) recommends at least one hygiene appointment a year; if you have gingivitis, periodontitis or implants, two to four appointments a year are advisable. Smokers, patients wearing braces and anyone who builds up tartar quickly also benefit from shorter intervals. Your hygienist will agree the right interval with you — and we will remind you when your next appointment is due.
What it costs
A hygiene appointment at our practices normally costs between CHF 130 and CHF 170 (excluding any X-rays), depending on the time required. We work to the transparent DENTOTAR® tariff, and you will know the cost before we start.
Frequently asked questions
Does a professional clean hurt?
Normally not. You may notice some sensitivity, particularly if it has been a long time since your last appointment or if your gums are inflamed. For very sensitive teeth, the hygienist can apply a topical anaesthetic gel.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
At least once a year, as the SSO recommends. If you have implants, gingivitis or periodontitis, or build up tartar quickly, every three to six months is better. Your hygienist will set the right interval with you.
Does professional cleaning damage the enamel?
No. Ultrasonic instruments and air polishing remove only tartar, plaque and stains; they do not wear the enamel. What does damage enamel is the acid produced by plaque that is left in place.
Where to find us
This treatment is available at both of our practices in Ticino.
Bellinzona practice
As easy as a smile.
Check availability and book your appointment online in Lugano or Bellinzona.