Dentist! Scale and Polish - anyone else have this issue?

We have a lovely hygienist who still does it all by hand. Neither DH nor I can endure the ultrasonic devices and much prefer the slower and gentler approach of the old fashioned way. I also think our long standing (and quite large) fillings cope much better!!

Thanks for all the comments, might have a look at getting a water pic thing. I have rebooked my appointment for Tuesday and will try to have a chat about my issues before getting in the chair.

I can only presume that you don't suffer from periodontal disease watermeadow. My DH doesn't, and only has a cursory clean every six months courtesy of the Dentist. I, on the other hand do suffer from gum disease and see the hygienist every four months. In between times I use those little brushes that get in between your teeth, twice a day, + cleaning them with an electric toothbrush, again twice a day. This regime works well for me, without it, I wouldn't have a tooth left. So your recommendation not to scale and polish would be very detrimental to me and undoubtedly lots of other people!

Well, I've just had my teeth de-scaled and polished for the first time in 9 years (I know naughty me) and my whole mouth feels so much better now. Must be good.

I'm wondering if watermeadow does have a point. After recent scale and polishes I've developed sensitive teeth at the back of my mouth and lost two fillings [I can't remember losing fillings before].

Don't understand your rationale there water meadow. Agree with jbf.

What???!

What about gum disease that happens if the plaque is allowed to build up?

You don't need your teeth scaling and polishing, nobody does, so for goodness sake stop it.

I have never had to see our dental hygienist (so far!), but DH has. He sees her regularly, and he says she massacres his mouth. Our dentist is a nice young man and a good dentist, but, unlike every other dentist I've had, he's not one for engaging you in pleasant conversation - even one sided ones. He'll ask you if you've had any problems, then it's onward, upward and out!

Highly unlikely!

How about the dentist not cleaning their tools properly?

I'm off to see mine at 4.30. She's lovely but insists on carrying out lengthy one-sided "conversations" with me, when my only response can be er, ah, or a raised hand, or whatever is vaguely appropriate. I suppose it's a stratagem she uses to put nervous patients at their ease but I don't find it helps overmuch. I'm nervous now at the very thought of this visit, and hope the current raging storm abates somewhat. Hate driving in lightning.

I hate going to the dental hygienist too but its based more on me really not liking the lady concerned or rather her manner.

I refuse to have an ultrasonic scale as I can't clean my teeth properly for ages after.

I have a S& P every 3 months too due to the amount of dental work I've had and sometimes do bleed - it was definitely worse when I only had it done annually but I can't say it makes me feel ill afterwards. I think I too would advise visiting the doctor to ask his advice - just because the dentist hasn't heard of it doesn't mean it's not causing a problem with your medical history. I also have a big plaque problem and bought a set of dental tools off the internet and every few days have to scrape the plaque off the back of my bottom teeth. I use both an electric toothbrush, tee pee brushes and a water pick so it's not lack of hygiene. If you're careful you can do this without causing gums to bleed but obviously this in no substitute for a full dental clean. Just a thought but is this the dentist himself or do they have a hygienist as well? The one I have now is wonderful and so gentle but is a woman which might be why

I always feel ill after a scale and polish but put it down to the dentist lying me flat. I thought the stomach discomfort was cause by my hiatus hernia and the chair position.

I have a dodgy Mitral valve and I have my teeth seen to by the hygienist every three months- apparently I am prolific in the plaque area ! She uses an ultrasonic then hacks away at what is left. Her assistant always attends with the suction and waterboards me. I get a headache after so usually take a couple of painkillers before I go and then its fine. I used to bleed a lot but since I have been going every three months (for years) now I bleed hardly at all. I have to confess it is a rather swank private dentist but I used to be such a wreck and wouldn't go that I pay the insurance and regard it as an essential. Its about £45 a visit but I insure and cover it. As for feeling ill after I don't have any effects and wouldn't really expect to so as others have said ask the GP what this is all about.

Hi all, thanks for your responses, its the ultrasonic one I have currently - bit it hurts as my teeth are sensitive and I am a wimp!, have had the hand scale in the past, I liken that to shoeing horses!! I dont have asthma, but agree it might be the fine dust particles being inhaled. I know its important to have, its just the thought of being ill for days afterwards that is the real downer.

I think * jane* is still above ground! But she might well be busy!!!

In case jane is bury, will a dentist's wife/receptionist/dogsbody do?

I think jings suggestion is a good one. What sort of a scale do you have, Kateyk, is it ultrasonic or a hand scale?

I wonder whether you are inhaling the fine dust caused by the polishing? That would affect your lungs as you have asthma.

I think you should talk to your doctor about this. He/she is the one who can ascertain whether there is anything in your take on the matter, or if it is purely psychological. Even if it is the latter, there is help that the doctor can give you. You should have your regular cleans. It could make a big difference o your future health and welfare.

I expect our resident dentist will be along soon.