Dental scaling, also known as teeth scaling, is a common procedure that is used to clean teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the surface of teeth, and if it is not removed regularly, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. In this blog post, we will discuss how dental scaling can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay, and we will also provide tips on how to care for your teeth after the procedure.
What is Gum Disease and How Does It Develop ?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and tissues that support your teeth. It’s caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If not treated in its early stages, it can lead to periodontal disease, an infection and inflammation of the tissues and bones that support your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss.
Gum disease is progressive, beginning with gingivitis and then advancing to a more serious form called periodontitis. The early stages of gum disease include redness of the gums, bleeding during brushing, and bad breath. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is characterized by deeper pockets between the gums and teeth, bone loss, receding gums, and eventual tooth loss if not treated.
How Teeth Scaling Helps Prevent Gum Disease?
1. Removes plaque buildup: Plaque is a sticky film that collects on the teeth and can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Scaling removes this plaque, which in turn prevents gum disease from developing in the first place.
2. Cleans below the gum line: Most of the time, manual brushing isn’t enough to clean all of the plaque that has accumulated below the gum line. Teeth scaling is an effective method for removing this plaque and preventing it from causing further damage.
3. Prevents tartar buildup: Tartar, or calculus, is hard deposits of material that form when plaque hardens on the teeth. This tartar can cause gum inflammation, which is an early sign of gum disease. Teeth scaling removes these deposits and helps to prevent gum disease from progressing further.
4. Reduces pocket depths: When plaque accumulates around the teeth and gums, it eventually enters into tiny pockets in between them. As the infection progresses, these pockets can become deeper, leading to advanced gum disease. Teeth scaling removes the plaque from these pockets and helps to reduce their depth.
5. Improves overall health: Gum disease is linked to a number of serious medical conditions, including heart disease and stroke. By preventing gum disease through teeth scaling, it is possible to improve one’s overall health.
6. Maintains a bright smile: Teeth scaling helps to remove the plaque that can cause discoloration, which in turn helps to keep your teeth looking brighter and healthier for longer.
7. Prevents bad breath: Plaque buildup is one of the most common causes of bad breath, as the bacteria in the plaque can produce foul-smelling substances. Teeth scaling helps to remove this plaque and prevent bad breath from occurring.
By consistently undergoing teeth scaling, it is possible to keep your gums healthy and reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
What is Tooth Decay and How Can Teeth Scaling Help ?
Tooth decay is a process in which bacteria in the mouth, acid and other food particles combine together to form plaque. As plaque accumulates on teeth it eats away at the enamel of the tooth causing small holes or ‘cavities’. Tooth decay can lead to toothache, infection, and even loss of teeth.
Teeth scaling helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can prevent teeth from decaying. It involves the use of special dental instruments to scrape away plaque accumulation on the surface of the tooth as well as in between teeth and around the gum line.
The procedure is typically performed by a trained dental hygienist or periodontist who will use an ultrasonic scaler to break down the plaque and tartar with sound waves. After scaling, teeth may be polished with a special toothpaste to make them look brighter and smoother.
What can I expect during a teeth scaling procedure?
1. Generally speaking, teeth scaling is a safe and relatively painless procedure.
2. Your dentist will begin the procedure by asking you to open your mouth wide so that they can see all of your teeth clearly.
3. They will then use special tools to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth and along the gum line.
4. They may also use an ultrasonic device, which produces sound waves to help break up plaque and tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
5. After the scaling process is complete, your dentist will then polish your teeth with a special toothpaste to make them look cleaner and feel smoother.
6. At the end of the procedure, your dentist may also apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities in the future.
7. After the procedure is completed, you should be able to eat normally without any discomfort or sensitivity.
However, if you do experience any pain or discomfort following the procedure, it is important to contact your dentist immediately.
To help maintain healthy teeth and gums after a teeth scaling procedure, you should always brush and floss regularly as well as visit your dentist for regular checkups. This will help ensure that your mouth stays in top shape and prevent any further buildup of plaque or tartar.