“Every tooth in a man’s head is more beneficial than a diamond.” Miguel de Cervantes
Teeth are eternal helpers, yet many of us still hesitate to go for some of the most basic procedures concerning teeth like scaling.
Scaling is often viewed as a culprit in the destruction of teeth. Does scaling harm or weaken the teeth in the long term? Does it thin down the enamel? Does this issue ring a bell with you? If yes, you are not alone, many others think along similar lines. So let’s get down to the facts and separate the myths from reality.
What Is Dental Scaling?
It is also known as deep cleaning, is a simple and noninvasive dental procedure. It is done by dental hygienists to remove plaque and tartar. These are hard deposits that regular brushing and flossing can’t get rid of.
Cleaning kills the surface of the tooth, whereas scaling is for below the gum line, preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Usually polished after scaling, this smoothens the tooth surface to reduce plaque adherence.
Understanding Tooth Enamel: Can It Be Damaged by Scaling?
Teeth enamel is the toughest substance in the human body and consists mainly of minerals like calcium phosphate. It acts as a shield for the inner components of the mouths against bacteria and pathogens, decay and damage.
So, does scaling make it go away or harm that enamel? Absolutely, that’s definitely not the case as follows:
- Safety Mode: The tools for scaling such as ultrasonic scalers work only specifically to solve or deal with tartar or plaque and do not scratch or erode enamel.
- Surface Deep: Scaling has no effect on shaving any part of the tooth structure off; it cleans surfaces and gum pockets.
- Natural Repair: Even those few superficial abrasions tend to heal quickly on their own due to the natural remineralization brought about by saliva or fluoride-containing toothpaste).
So, Does Scaling Harm Teeth?
Let’s address this directly, Scaling doesn’t damage your teeth.
Rather, avoid scaling when required, and there is a worse price to pay:
- Plaque buildup causes gingivitis, recession of gums, and periodontal disease.
- Untreated tartar can cause the weakening of the support bone structures, which may lead to tooth loss sooner or later.
- Poor gum health has also been linked to heart disease, bacteria can enter through inflamed gums into the bloodstream.
Scaling protects your teeth and not harms them.
What About Side Effects?
After scaling, some patients might experience:
- Slight sensitivity with eating hot or cold food.
- Temporary soreness of the gums, which can include slight bleeding.
These occurrences are part of normal healing and, thus, are temporary. The dentist may give recommendations for desensitizing toothpaste, painkillers for this little discomfort, or salt-water rinses. Care and comfort after the procedure are essential for a full recovery.
4 Long-Term Benefits of Scaling
Here’s what happens when you make scaling a regular part of your oral care:
- Stops the Progression of Gum Diseases: Deep cleaning of gums helps get rid of all bacteria below the gums, thus reducing inflammation and staving off disease progression.
- Fights Halitosis: The real troublemakers hiding in your gum pockets are the bacteria. Scaling removes those gums quite well.
- Prevents Loss of Teeth: Gum recession and bone loss lead to the loss of the teeth. Scaling keeps the gums and bones healthy.
- Protects Your Heart: A few studies have linked gum diseases and heart diseases. By scaling, you could reduce this risk as it eliminates bacteria that aid in creating the aforementioned conditions.
Common Myths About Dental Scaling
So, let us clarify other facts that are usually misunderstood by people:
Myth: “Scaling Deletes Both Protective Layer of Teeth”
Reality: Scaling removes plaque and tartar but not enamel. It’s because scaling retains enamel by preventing the accumulation of harming build-ups.
Myth 2: “Scaling Leads to Intense Sensitivity”
Reality: Transitory sensitivity occurs after scaling-it’s not really extreme or permanent; it lets up in a matter of days.
Myth 3: Scaling is for Problems Only
Truth: Most dental problems are deep pockets in the gums or loss of bone. They are invisible at times. On regular check-ups and scaling, you can catch them early.
How to Care for Teeth After Scaling
Scaling procedures may be done safely, but aftercare will make a world of difference. Some tips to following up after scaling include:
- Immediately after scaling: Stay away from hot or hard foods until numbness fades off. Eat only soft, neutral-temperature meals like oatmeal or yogurt.
- Daily oral hygiene: Brush your teeth every day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush and floss with gentle thoroughness.
- Eat well: Maintain diet with calcium and protein-rich foods, especially cheese, leafy greens, and lean meats for enhancing fortification of enamel.
- Regular Returns: A check-up to the dentist every 3 to 6 months, so that the deposit of plaque will not build again.
Final Verdict: Scaling Is Safe and Essential
So, when it comes to whitening your teeth, you can feel confident that tooth scaling does not harm them.
On the Maintenance Program, scaling is an important preventive measure that impacts oral health immensely. This activity does not weaken the teeth, instead, it preserves them for the centuries to come.
Book your Appointment in Panchkula
Dr. Sanjay Kalra’s Multispecialty Dental Clinic is the place to, if you are in search of expert dental scaling services in Panchkula. With advanced equipment and skilled professionals, we make sure for safe, comfortable, and effective dental treatment.
Book your appointment and give your smile the professional care it deserves today.