Dental scaling, or deep cleaning of teeth, is a treatment that helps remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line. It’s especially beneficial for people with gum disease or significant tartar build-up.
If tartar build up keeps on accumulating and is not treated, it can lead to major problems like gingivitis or even periodontitis, both of which can eventually cause tooth loss.
Many people have questions surrounding dental scaling.
Why Is Dental Scaling Important?
When food particles and bacteria interact with saliva, they form a sticky substance called plaque. If you don’t remove this plaque through regular brushing, it hardens into tartar, irritating your gums and leading to inflammation (gingivitis). Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe gum disease that can potentially lead to tooth loss.
Dental scaling can be needed for many reasons. These may include:
- Prevention of gum disease: By removing tartar and bacteria from your teeth and gums, scaling helps keep gum disease at bay.
- Fresher breath: Tartar traps food particles and bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Removing it keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
- Protecting your teeth: Regular scaling helps stop gum disease from progressing and reduces the risk of tooth loss.
By incorporating scaling into your dental care routine, you’re making a significant investment in your long-term oral health.
What Happens During Dental Scaling?
The process of dental scaling generally involves two key steps:
1. Scaling: Dentists use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, particularly in those hard-to-reach areas beneath the gum line. This includes ultrasonic devices that vibrate to break down tartar and follow up with manual tools to clean thoroughly.
2. Root planing: By smoothing out the teeth's roots, healing and appropriate reattachment of the gums takes place. Smooth roots are less prone to contain plaque and dangerous bacteria.
If there is significant tartar build-up or any kind of gum disease, more than one session to complete the scaling process may be needed.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Scaling?
There are numerous benefits to adding dental scaling to your oral care routine, including:
1. Healthier gums: Scaling removes the irritants that cause gum disease, allowing them to heal
2. Improved oral hygiene: Scaling reaches areas that regular brushing and flossing often miss, especially below the gum line.
3. Fresh breath: By eliminating the bacteria and plaque responsible for bad breath, scaling can help keep your breath fresher.
4. Preventing further damage: Scaling can stop the progression of advanced gum disease, preventing more severe issues like bone loss around the teeth.
Is Dental Scaling Painful?
One of the most common concern about dental scaling is whether it will hurt. One can experience some discomfort during the procedure, particularly if someone has advanced gum disease or sensitive gums, the procedure is generally well-tolerated. In some cases, we’ll apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area and ensure you’re comfortable throughout.
After scaling, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity or tenderness in your gums for a few days. Most of the time, desensitizing toothpaste, over-the-counter painkillers, or salt water rinses can help with this.
The good news? The sensitivity typically subsides within a week as the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
How Often Should You Get Dental Scaling?
How often you need dental scaling depends on the state of your oral health. If you’re prone to gum disease or have significant tartar build-up, you may need scaling every 3 to 6 months. For those with healthier gums, it may be sufficient to get scaling just once or twice a year during routine check-ups and cleanings.
Pro tip: Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly can help reduce the need for frequent scaling.
Aftercare Tips for Dental Scaling
After your dental scaling session, it’s important to follow proper aftercare to aid recovery and maintain healthy gums. Some important aftercare tips include:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This minimizes irritation while you clean your teeth and gums.
- Saltwater Gargle: This helps soothe your gums and reduces any swelling.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: These can aggravate sensitive gums right after scaling.
- Floss gently: Continue flossing, but be extra cautious around tender areas to avoid discomfort.
Conclusion:
Dental scaling is a crucial procedure for maintaining healthy gums and avoiding gum disease. While the procedure may seem a bit intimidating, it’s safe and effective when performed by a dental professional. If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or a build-up of tartar, it might be time to ask your dentist if scaling is right for you.
Also, it is important to remember that scaling is a crucial addition to brushing and flossing, but it doesn’t replace these habits. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, with scaling when necessary, can help maintain your healthy smile for years to come.