Maintaining dental and oral health isn't just about brushing twice a day. Many dental and gum problems stem from plaque and tartar buildup, especially in areas hard to reach with a toothbrush.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to gingivitis, bad breath, and even periodontal disease, all of which can impact overall health. One effective treatment for preventing these problems is regular dental scaling by a dentist.
Benefits, Procedures, and the Right Time for Teeth Scaling
Scaling is a dental cleaning procedure performed by a dentist to remove plaque and tartar that builds up along the gum line and in hidden areas. While brushing your teeth is an important foundational step, a toothbrush alone cannot remove all food debris and bacteria from the oral cavity.
If plaque is allowed to build up, it will eventually harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush. This condition can increase the risk of gingivitis , bad breath, and even more serious periodontal disease. Therefore, dental scaling plays a crucial role in maintaining overall dental and oral health.
Benefits of Teeth Scaling for Oral Health
1. Prevents Gum Inflammation and Disease
Tartar buildup can irritate gum tissue and cause inflammation. If left untreated, this condition can progress to a serious infection characterized by bleeding gums, swelling, and loose teeth.
2. Reduce the Risk of Systemic Diseases
Poor oral health is known to be linked to various systemic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease . Regular dental scaling helps control bacteria before they spread to the bloodstream.
3. Maintain cleanliness and brightness of teeth
Tartar can make teeth appear yellow and dull. Scaling removes the tartar, leaving teeth looking cleaner and brighter naturally.
4. Overcoming Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Scaling helps remove bad breath-causing bacteria that develop due to plaque and tartar buildup, so your breath feels fresher.
How is the Dental Scaling Procedure Performed?
The teeth scaling procedure is relatively simple and doesn't take much time. The dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to break down and remove tartar from the tooth surface and the area below the gum line.
Following this procedure, teeth polishing is usually performed to smooth the tooth surface and prevent plaque from easily re-adhering. For patients with sensitive teeth, the dentist may administer a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort.
How Often Should Teeth Scaling Be Done?
In general, teeth scaling is recommended every 6 months. However, for individuals with rapid tartar buildup, such as smokers or those with gum disease, scaling may be necessary every 3–4 months.
Dental scaling isn't just a cosmetic treatment; it's also a crucial step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing more serious health problems. By having regular scalings, you can maintain a healthy, clean, and confident smile.
Article written by Drg. Anastasia Vera (Dentist at EMC Pulomas Hospital).