Question 1

What is Guided Biofilm Therapy in simple words?

Accepted Answer

Guided Biofilm Therapy, or GBT, is a professional cleaning method that first shows where plaque is, then removes it mostly with warm water, air and a very fine powder. A disclosing dye colours the plaque so nothing is missed. An ultrasonic scaler is used only where hard tartar remains. It is gentler on gums than scraping every tooth, and the routine ends with a check and brushing advice.

Question 2

Is Airflow cleaning just an expensive polish?

Accepted Answer

No, Airflow is air-polishing with warm water, air and a fine powder that removes plaque and stain from surfaces, along the gum line and between teeth, including places a rubber polishing cup cannot reach. Within GBT it is one step: plaque is disclosed first, then air-polished, then any hard tartar is removed. Polishing with paste alone mainly makes teeth look smoother.

Question 3

My gums bleed every time I brush, will a cleaning fix it?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding when brushing is most often a sign of gingivitis, inflammation caused by plaque along the gum line, and a professional clean plus better daily cleaning usually settles it within a couple of weeks. If gum pockets have formed, deeper cleaning below the gum line may be needed. Do not stop brushing the bleeding areas. Bleeding that continues after cleaning should be checked.

Question 4

Will a scale and polish get rid of my bad breath?

Accepted Answer

A professional clean often improves bad breath, because tartar, plaque between teeth and inflamed gums are among the most common causes. It works only if the source is in the mouth: a coated tongue, gum pockets, decay or a dry mouth also need attention. If breath stays bad after cleaning and treatment, the dentist may suggest checking your sinuses, tonsils or stomach with a doctor.

Question 5

What is the hard yellow crust behind my lower front teeth?

Accepted Answer

That hard yellow or brown crust is tartar, also called calculus: plaque that has hardened with minerals from saliva. It builds up fastest behind the lower front teeth because the saliva glands open there. Brushing cannot remove it once it has hardened, so it needs professional cleaning. Left in place, it keeps gums inflamed and can lead to gum disease.

Question 6

If I brush harder, can I skip professional cleaning?

Accepted Answer

No, brushing harder cannot replace a professional clean, and it often does harm. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, no toothbrush removes it, and scrubbing hard wears enamel near the gum line and can push gums back, causing sensitivity. Gentle brushing for two minutes with a soft or electric brush, cleaning between teeth and a professional clean at the interval your dentist suggests work better together.

Question 7

I have not seen a dentist in years, is it too late for a clean?

Accepted Answer

It is not too late; many people come for their first professional clean after years and do well. The first visit starts with a check of your gums, and it may take more than one appointment if tartar is heavy or gum pockets need deeper cleaning. At Creative Arts you will hear what is needed before anything is done, with the cost in a written plan.

Question 8

What is the difference between Airflow GBT and the old scraping clean?

Accepted Answer

The main difference is the order and the tools. A traditional scale and polish scrapes every tooth with metal instruments, then polishes with paste. GBT first shows plaque with a dye, removes most of it with warm water, air and fine powder, and uses an ultrasonic scaler only where hard tartar remains. Many people find GBT gentler on gums and sensitive teeth.

Question 9

How do I know if I need a deep cleaning instead of a normal one?

Accepted Answer

You need a deep cleaning when gum pockets have formed and tartar has built up below the gum line, which only a gum examination can show. Signs include bleeding, gums pulling back, bad breath and teeth that feel loose. The dentist measures pocket depths and, if needed, cleans the root surfaces below the gum line, sometimes with local anaesthetic, over one or more visits.

Question 10

Is a GBT clean suitable for teeth that are very sensitive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GBT is often a good choice for sensitive teeth because warm water and a fine, low-abrasive powder replace much of the scraping. Tell the dentist which areas are sensitive before starting, so the water temperature and pressure can be adjusted. A local anaesthetic gel or injection can be used for particularly sensitive spots. Sensitivity after cleaning usually settles within a few days.

Question 11

Does a water flosser get tartar off?

Accepted Answer

No, a water flosser does not remove tartar that has already hardened; it rinses away soft plaque and food from between teeth and around braces or implants. Used daily, it can slow down how fast new tartar forms, especially for people who find floss difficult. Existing tartar still needs a professional clean, after which a water flosser is a useful part of home care.

Question 12

What does a GBT session cost at Creative Arts in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

A GBT teeth cleaning at Creative Arts in Dubai costs AED 1,200 per session. It includes disclosing the plaque, air-polishing, removing remaining tartar with an ultrasonic scaler where needed, and advice on cleaning at home. If deeper gum treatment, X-rays or fillings are needed, they are priced in your written, itemised plan before anything else is done.

Question 13

Why do some cleaning offers in Dubai cost much less than a GBT session?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning prices differ because offers include different things. Some are a quick scale and polish without a full gum check, others include disclosing, air-polishing, cleaning between teeth and along the gum line, and time to explain what to change at home. When comparing, ask what is included, who performs the clean, how long the appointment lasts and whether gum pockets are measured.

Question 14

Will I pay extra if I need cleaning below the gum line?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning below the gum line for gum pockets is a different treatment from a routine GBT session and is priced in your written, itemised plan after the examination. The dentist explains what the pocket measurements show, how many visits are likely and the cost before starting. Nothing extra is added without you seeing it first. The first consultation is free.

Question 15

Is the clinic open for a cleaning on Friday, Saturday or Sunday?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Creative Arts is open seven days a week, 10:00 to 20:00, so a cleaning can be booked on any day, including Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The clinic is at 614 Jumeira St, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai. Call +971 4 342 4444 or message +971 56 677 7537 on WhatsApp to choose a time.

Question 16

I am visiting Dubai for a few days, can I fit in a clean and a check-up?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes: a routine GBT clean and check-up can normally be done in a single visit if your gums are healthy. If the examination finds deep pockets, decay or a cracked filling, the dentist explains what can be done during your stay and what can wait. Send a message on WhatsApp before you travel to plan the appointment around your dates.

Question 17

Who will do my cleaning at Creative Arts?

Accepted Answer

At Creative Arts, cleaning and gum care are done by dentists, including Dr. Iuliia Savitskaia and Dr. Taban Ameen, who also treats gum problems. The dentist checks your gums and teeth before cleaning, so if a filling, gum treatment or anything else is needed, you know before it is done. Each dentist's licence can be checked by name on DHA Sheryan.

Question 18

Can I see what was cleaned and what I am missing when I brush?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in a GBT clean the disclosing dye colours plaque so you can see it in a mirror before it is removed. Older plaque and newer plaque often show in different colours, which shows where brushing regularly misses. The dentist then shows you which areas need more attention, such as between back teeth or along the gum line, and which brush or floss suits you.

Question 19

What do patients say about cleaning at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Creative Arts has a rating of 4.8 on Google from 238 reviews, covering cleaning and other treatments. Reading several recent reviews gives a fairer picture than a single one. You can also judge the visit yourself: a careful clean starts with a gum check, explains what was found, and ends with advice you can follow at home.

Question 20

Does it hurt to have tartar removed?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel vibration, water and some pressure rather than pain when tartar is removed, and routine cleans do not usually need anaesthetic. Areas with inflamed gums or exposed roots can be tender. Tell the dentist, who can adjust the instrument or use a numbing gel or local anaesthetic. For nervous patients, laughing gas can be discussed, given by a licensed clinician.

Question 21

How long should I book for a GBT appointment?

Accepted Answer

A routine GBT clean usually takes under an hour, including the gum check and advice. Allow longer if you have not had a clean for several years, if tartar is heavy, or if you have braces, implants or many restorations to clean around. Deeper cleaning below the gum line is often planned as separate visits. You can return to work straight afterwards.

Question 22

Can I eat and drink normally after my teeth are cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can usually eat and drink as soon as the appointment ends, as a routine clean does not need numbing. If a local anaesthetic was used, wait until the numbness wears off to avoid biting your cheek. If you had a fluoride varnish applied, follow the timing the dentist gives. Coffee, tea and smoking will start re-staining clean teeth, so rinse with water afterwards.

Question 23

Why do my teeth feel strange or sensitive after scaling?

Accepted Answer

Teeth can feel sensitive or strange after scaling because tartar that was covering parts of the tooth or root has been removed, and the gums are settling. The tongue also notices spaces and smooth surfaces it had not felt before. This usually eases within a few days to two weeks. A sensitivity toothpaste helps; persistent or sharp pain in one tooth should be checked.

Question 24

My gums still bleed a few days after my clean, should I worry?

Accepted Answer

Some bleeding for a few days after a clean is common, especially if the gums were inflamed beforehand, and it usually reduces as they heal. Keep brushing gently and clean between teeth daily. If bleeding continues beyond two weeks, gums are swollen or painful, or there is pus, book a check, as deeper gum pockets may need treatment below the gum line.

Question 25

Tartar builds up again quickly after every clean, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

Some people form tartar faster because of their saliva, so it is not always a sign of poor brushing. What helps: brushing twice a day for two minutes, especially behind the lower front teeth, cleaning between teeth daily, an electric toothbrush if you struggle, and not smoking. Your dentist can suggest a cleaning interval that matches how fast you build tartar, often every three to six months.

Question 26

How do you clean teeth that have braces brackets on them?

Accepted Answer

Teeth with braces are cleaned around the brackets and wires without removing them. Disclosing dye shows the plaque trapped around each bracket, and air-polishing reaches places a brush struggles with. Cleaning during orthodontic treatment helps prevent white spots and swollen gums. You will also be shown how to use interdental brushes or a water flosser between visits.

Question 27

Is it safe to air-polish around dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, air-polishing with a gentle powder is one of the common ways to clean around dental implants, because it removes biofilm without scratching the implant surface or the crown. Metal instruments that can scratch are avoided. Regular professional cleaning matters for implants because inflammation around them can lead to bone loss. Bridges and full-arch implant teeth need extra care underneath.

Question 28

Is a scale and polish safe when I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a professional clean is safe during pregnancy and is often recommended, because hormone changes can make gums swell and bleed more easily. The second trimester is often the most comfortable time, but a clean can be done at any stage if needed. Tell the dentist you are pregnant, so any X-rays or medicines are considered carefully.

Question 29

Do children need a professional clean as well as check-ups?

Accepted Answer

Many children benefit from a gentle professional clean, especially if plaque or stain builds up, they wear braces, or they have early signs of decay. A child's clean is shorter and gentler than an adult scale and polish, and is often combined with fluoride varnish or fissure sealants where needed. The dentist explains what is helpful for your child's age.

Question 30

I have diabetes, do I need my teeth cleaned more often?

Accepted Answer

People with diabetes often benefit from more frequent professional cleaning, because diabetes raises the risk of gum disease and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. Many dentists suggest a clean and gum check every three to four months, depending on your gums. Tell the dentist about your medication and how well controlled your diabetes is.

Question 31

I gag easily and dread cleanings, what can help?

Accepted Answer

A strong gag reflex or anxiety can usually be managed so a clean is comfortable. Tell the dentist beforehand: shorter sessions, breaks you control with a hand signal, sitting more upright and working in small areas all help. Air-polishing also needs less time with instruments at the back of the mouth. For some people, laughing gas given by a licensed clinician is an option.

Teeth cleaning: every question people ask before they book a scale and polish

Smiles made at Creative Arts

Do I need a professional clean?