Ever wonder what your dentist means when they say "scaling and polishing"? It might sound a bit like car maintenance, but it's actually a common dental procedure that plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy and teeth bright. But before we understand what scaling and polishing are, let’s first understand plaque and tartar.
Plaque and Tartar
Plaque: This is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. It's made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If plaque isn't removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar.
Tartar: Also known as calculus, tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that sticks firmly to your teeth. It can't be removed with regular brushing and flossing alone. Tartar buildup can irritate your gums and create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to gum disease and other oral health problems.
The Scaling Process
Scaling is a deep cleaning process that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. The cleaning goes beyond what you can achieve at home with your toothbrush and floss.
How it is done: Your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler, a tool that vibrates at a high frequency to break up plaque and tartar deposits. They may also use hand instruments called scalers and curettes to remove any remaining deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces.
Where it targets: Scaling targets all surfaces of your teeth, including those above the gumline and just below it. In cases of gum disease, a deeper cleaning called "root planing" might be necessary to remove plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth.
The Polishing Process
Polishing is the step that follows after scaling is done.
How it is done: Your dentist will use a slow-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup and a special polishing paste. This process gently removes the stains from the teeth’s surface.
Why it is important: Polishing not only makes your teeth look brighter but also helps smooth out any rough spots left after scaling. This makes it harder for plaque and tartar to stick to your teeth in the future.
Benefits of Scaling & Polishing
Scaling and polishing offer numerous benefits for your oral health, including:
Prevention of gum disease: By removing plaque and tartar, scaling and polishing help prevent gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (a more advanced form of gum disease).
Freshens breath: Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath. Scaling and polishing help remove these odor-causing substances, leaving your breath smelling fresh.
Brighter smile: Polishing removes stains from your teeth, thereby, giving you a brighter, sparkling smile.
Early detection of problems: During your scaling and polishing appointment, your dentist can also examine your mouth for any signs of oral health issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer.
Maintains overall health: Studies have linked gum disease to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular scaling and polishing, you can reduce your risk of these conditions.
How Often Should You Get Scaling and Polishing?
According to the Indian Dental Association (IDA), scaling and polishing should be done every six months as part of your routine dental checkup. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have a history of gum disease, are prone to plaque buildup, or have certain medical conditions.
Scaling and polishing is a simple, painless procedure that plays a very important role in maintaining good oral health. By removing plaque and tartar, you can avert gum diseases and keep your teeth clean & bright for years to come. So, the next time you hear your dentist mention "scaling and polishing," say YES to it. Thinking of getting the treatment? Then visit Ace Dental Implant Clinic—your trusted dental clinic in Nerul.