Teeth Scaling | Teeth Cleaning| Plaque Removal

No matter how diligently you brush and floss, some areas of your mouth are difficult to clean thoroughly. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up over time and harden into tartar, which cannot be removed by regular brushing.

Teeth scaling, also known as dental scaling or professional teeth cleaning, is a procedure performed by a dentist to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the surfaces of the teeth.

A dentist uses specialized tools and techniques to effectively remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth, including those hard-to-reach areas.

It is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental issues.

Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

1. Plaque and Tartar Removal

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar (calculus), which cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing. Scaling helps remove both plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

2. Stain Removal

Teeth scaling can also help remove external stains caused by food, beverages, tobacco, smoking, and other factors.

The dental professional uses polishing techniques to eliminate these stains and enhance the appearance of the teeth.

3. Comprehensive Cleaning

Teeth scaling is a comprehensive cleaning procedure that reaches areas that regular brushing and flossing may miss. It helps clean hard-to-reach areas, such as the gumline, interdental spaces, and tooth surfaces near the gumline.

4. Gum Disease Prevention

Gum disease is a common oral health problem that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and other complications. Professional teeth cleaning helps prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar, which are major contributors to its development.

5. Control Pyorrhea

Dental scaling plays a significant role in the control and management of periodontal disease, including periodontitis, which is commonly referred to as pyorrhea.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums, bone and supporting structures of the teeth. Dental scaling, along with other periodontal treatments, is an effective way to control and manage the progression of the disease.

6. Fresher Breath and Enhanced Smile

Plaque buildup can lead to persistent bad breath, regardless of how well you brush your teeth. A professional teeth cleaning eliminates the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath, resulting in fresher breath and improved oral odor.

Additionally, during the cleaning, your dentist will polish your teeth, removing surface stains and giving your smile a brighter, more attractive appearance.

7. Cleaning Below the Gumline

In periodontal disease, the gum tissues pull away from the teeth, forming pockets.

These pockets can become deep and filled with bacteria and debris.

Dental scaling reaches below the gumline, allowing the removal of plaque and tartar from these pockets. Cleaning these areas helps eliminate the source of infection and aids in the reduction of pocket depth, promoting gum reattachment and preventing the disease from advancing.

8. Bacterial Control

The presence of excessive bacteria in the oral cavity contributes to the progression of periodontal disease. Dental scaling reduces the bacterial load by removing the bacterial biofilm (plaque) and tartar, creating a healthier oral environment. Controlling the bacterial population is crucial in maintaining ph. levels and managing periodontal disease and preventing its recurrence.

Prevention and Maintenance

Regular teeth scaling appointments are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. It helps prevent dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease and can contribute to fresher breath and a healthier smile.

It is recommended to get scaling done every 6 months. The frequency of scaling appointments may vary depending on individual oral health needs and the recommendation of your dentist.

Who performs dental scaling?

Teeth scaling is typically performed by a dentist. In some countries, dental scaling can be performed by dental hygienists.

The procedure involves the use of specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including the areas above and below the gum line.

The dentist may use hand scalers or ultrasonic scalers, which use high-frequency vibrations to break down and remove the deposits.

The dentist may use curette and root planning instruments to do deep teeth cleaning and clean pockets.

Scaling is often followed by teeth polishing to remove surface stains and make the teeth smooth.

The dental professional may use local anesthesia during teeth scaling if you have sensitive teeth or if deep cleaning is required. This helps ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

It's important to note that while teeth scaling is highly beneficial, it is not a substitute for regular oral hygiene practices at home.

Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash as recommended by your dentist are essential components of maintaining good oral health.

If you have concerns about gum bleeding, dirty teeth, bad smell from the mouth, yellow teeth, brown-black stains, loose teeth, pain in gums, itching in gums, complete mouth sensitivity, receding gums, gums painful, red and swollen, plaque buildup, tartar, calculus or staining on your teeth, it is best to schedule a dental appointment.

Your dentist can assess your oral health needs and recommend appropriate treatments, including teeth scaling, to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)