What is teeth scaling? Advantages and disadvantages

• Scaling is a dental procedure performed by a dentist to remove plaque and bacteria that adhere to the tooth surface and under the gum line. Doing this annually helps prevent gingivitis, cavities, and reduces the long-term risk of periodontal disease.
• Plaque is formed from food debris and bacteria in the mouth that accumulate and react with minerals in saliva, hardening. If brushing isn't thorough or flossing isn't used, these deposits can easily solidify into tartar.
• After scaling, brush gently with a soft-bristled brush, floss regularly, and avoid extremely hot and cold foods in the initial period to help reduce tooth sensitivity and promote faster gum recovery.

Dental scaling is one of the crucial oral health procedures to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. It's performed by a dentist or dental assistant. Neglecting it can negatively impact teeth and gums. This article delves into dental scaling, covering the procedure, benefits, side effects, and how to care for your mouth after the procedure.

What is Dental Scaling?

Dental scaling is a cleaning procedure performed by a dentist or dental assistant to remove tartar and bacteria that firmly adhere to the tooth surface and under the gum line. These deposits cannot be removed by regular brushing or flossing. Generally, it's recommended to have dental scaling done at least once a year, or every six months, to maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums in the long term.

What are the benefits of teeth scaling and why should it be done annually?

Tartar removal helps reduce the accumulation of germs in the mouth and prevents gingivitis, cavities, and periodontal disease. It also helps with the following

• Prevents gingivitis, reducing gum swelling, redness, and bleeding during brushing.
• Reduces the risk of periodontal disease, helping prevent gum recession, loose teeth, and bone loss.
• Reduces chronic bad breath by eliminating bacteria and tartar that cause unpleasant odors.
• Helps keep teeth clean, smooth, and reduces the accumulation of new plaque, making oral care easier.
• Reduces the chance of cavities, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the neck of the tooth and between teeth.
• Annual dental and gum checkups help dentists detect problems in their early stages.
• Reduces the risk of tooth loss, delaying the need for tooth extraction in the future.
• Low cost but provides long-term benefits compared to the cost of gum disease treatment or dentures.
• Good oral health positively impacts overall health, reducing the risk of diseases related to oral infections such as heart disease and diabetes.

What causes tartar?

Tartar is formed from the accumulation of various deposits on the tooth surface over time. When these deposits are not properly cleaned, they react with minerals in saliva and harden, becoming tartar, a stubborn deposit on the teeth and under the gum line that cannot be removed by regular brushing. The causes of these deposits include

1. Food debris and particles

After eating, especially sugary, starchy, or sticky foods, food particles get stuck in the crevices and at the gum line. If not cleaned immediately, they become plaque.

2. Oral bacteria

Bacteria combine with food debris and saliva to form plaque, which is the starting point for tartar formation.

3. Minerals in saliva

Saliva contains calcium and phosphate. When combined with plaque, it accelerates the hardening process and turns into tartar.

4. Incomplete brushing

Not brushing all teeth, especially the gum line, the inside of the molars, and the gum line, allows plaque to accumulate and harden easily.

5. Thick or excessive saliva production at certain times

Saliva with a high concentration of minerals... Or excessive saliva production can accelerate plaque buildup and tartar formation.

6. Not flossing or insufficient cleaning between teeth.

The spaces between teeth are inaccessible to a toothbrush. Without flossing, plaque will accumulate and become tartar in these areas.

7. Certain eating habits.

Drinking tea, coffee, soda, smoking, or frequently consuming sweets causes stains on teeth and becomes a breeding ground for tartar.

8. People with braces or retainers.

Braces and retainers are areas where food particles easily stick and are difficult to clean, increasing the likelihood of tartar buildup compared to the general population.

Preparing for Dental Scaling

Proper preparation helps make dental scaling go more smoothly, reduces anxiety, and allows the dentist to provide more appropriate care. Even though it's a basic procedure, a little preparation beforehand will help you feel comfortable and less anxious throughout the treatment.

• Schedule an appointment with your dentist in advance to arrange a suitable time and reduce waiting times.
• Basic teeth cleaning Brushing and flossing before your appointment makes it easier for the dentist to examine and clean your teeth.
• Inform the dentist about any oral symptoms or problems, such as tooth sensitivity, toothache, swollen gums, or bleeding gums, so they can accurately assess the treatment.
• Eat a light meal before your appointment to prevent hunger or dizziness during the procedure.
• Avoid caffeine and smoking before your appointment, as these may cause rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or gum irritation.
• Inform the dentist about any existing medical conditions and medications you are taking, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood thinners, for safe treatment.
• Inform the dentist about any allergies to medications or dental equipment to avoid using products that may cause allergic reactions.
• If you experience gum pain, swelling, or easy bleeding, inform the dentist so they can adjust the treatment accordingly.
• Allow sufficient time for the treatment. Generally, the procedure takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the amount of tartar buildup.
• Prepare yourself and relax. Tartar removal is not a dangerous procedure; relaxing will greatly reduce pain and anxiety.

Dental Scaling Procedure

Scaling is a dental procedure performed in a series of steps to thoroughly clean and minimize gum irritation. Each step plays a crucial role in long-term dental and gum health.

1.Oral Assessment
The dentist will examine the teeth, gums, and oral tissues to assess the amount of tartar, identify areas of gingivitis or cavities, and plan the scaling procedure tailored to each individual.

2.Initial Cleaning
Food debris and soft plaque from the tooth surface are washed away to reduce contact before scaling begins, making tartar more visible.

3.Scaling
Specialized tools, such as ultrasonic cleaners or other instruments, are used to break down and remove tartar buildup on the tooth surface and under the gum line. Slight sensitivity may be felt in some areas.

4.Polishing
Polishing smooths and shines the tooth surface, reducing roughness and making it harder for new stains and tartar to adhere.

5.Fluoride Application
Fluoride coating strengthens tooth enamel, reduces sensitivity, and helps prevent cavities (in some cases, this may be at the dentist's discretion).

6.Post-Treatment Checkup and Instructions
The dentist will perform a follow-up check after the scaling is complete, provide instructions on brushing, flossing, and oral care, and schedule the next appointment if necessary.

10 Ways to Care for Your Teeth After Scaling

After scaling, your teeth and gums may experience slight sensitivity or irritation initially. Proper care will help promote faster gum recovery, reduce inflammation, and prolong the results of scaling. Here's how to care for your teeth after scaling

1. Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush to minimize gum irritation and prevent gum recession or bleeding.
2. Floss regularly, at least once a day, to remove food particles from between teeth that your toothbrush can't reach.
3. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2-3 times a day to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote gum healing.
4. Avoid hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours to reduce pressure and impact on the irritated gums.
5. Temporarily avoid very cold or hot foods, as these may trigger tooth sensitivity after scaling.
6. Temporarily stop smoking and alcohol for at least 24-48 hours to help gums recover and reduce inflammation.
7. Use a sensitive toothpaste to help relieve sensitivity and protect tooth enamel.
8. Choose a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce irritation and help control bacteria.
9. Avoid chewing on only one side or chewing too hard to prevent excessive stress on your gums and teeth.
10. Maintain regular dental and gum care. Brush your teeth twice a day, use dental floss, and see your dentist as scheduled to prevent tartar buildup.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Scaling

Dental scaling is a basic oral health care procedure recommended by dentists. While it offers many benefits, there are also minor limitations or side effects that you should be aware of to make an informed and comfortable decision about undergoing the procedure.

Advantages of Dental Scaling

• Reduces the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, helping to eliminate sources of germs that cause cavities and gingivitis.
• Reduces chronic bad breath, as tartar and bacteria are the main causes of unpleasant odors.
• Prevents cavities, especially in the crevices and necks of teeth, areas that are difficult to reach with brushing.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease, reducing the risk of gum recession, loose teeth, and long-term tooth loss.
• Teeth appear cleaner, smoother, and whiter immediately. Yellow stains and tea/coffee stains are significantly reduced.
• Strengthens gum health, reducing swelling, redness, and bleeding.
  Makes it easier for dentists to detect cavities or other problems because the tooth surface is clean, making abnormalities clearly visible.
• It's a low-investment but worthwhile dental care procedure compared to the long-term costs of gum or dental treatment.

Disadvantages of scaling

• You may experience tooth sensitivity after the procedure, especially if you have receding gums or a lot of tartar buildup.
• Your gums may bleed slightly during the procedure, which usually resolves on its own within 1-2 days.
• You may feel some discomfort or sensitivity when the instrument touches your teeth, but this is only temporary.
• Some people may feel that their teeth appear longer or have more gaps because tartar is removed; this doesn't mean the teeth have actually changed.
• You may experience slight throat irritation from the water jets or tartar fragments during the procedure.
• In cases of extensive tartar buildup or gum disease, scaling may take longer or require multiple sessions.
• Those who are afraid of dentists may feel anxious, but they can inform their dentist so that they can be gentle.

Is scaling painful?

Generally, scaling is minimally painful. Most people will only experience slight sensitivity or discomfort when the instrument touches the tooth, especially in areas with significant tartar buildup or gum inflammation. If you have sensitive teeth or are afraid of pain, you can inform your dentist in advance so they can adjust the treatment method or consider using local anesthesia in some cases.

How often should I get my teeth scaled?

Dentists recommend scaling at least once a year or every six months. For those who tend to tartar build up easily, have frequent gum inflammation, wear braces, or smoke, more frequent scaling may be necessary as advised by your dentist. Regular scaling helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and reduces the long-term risk of tooth loss.

Common side effects after scaling

After scaling, you may experience minor side effects that are normal and usually resolve on their own within a few days. These include sensitivity to hot or cold foods, slightly sore or bleeding gums, a feeling of increased gaps or smoothness in the teeth, and minor oral irritation. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or persistent bleeding, you should see your dentist immediately.

What to Avoid After Dental Scaling?

To prevent tooth sensitivity and promote faster gum recovery, avoid the following foods and drinks for the first 24-48 hours

• Hard or chewy foods such as nuts, candy, and chewing gum, as they may irritate or pull on the still-sore gums.
• Spicy foods, as they may worsen gum irritation and inflammation.
  Very acidic foods such as lemon and vinegar, which may trigger tooth sensitivity.
• Very hot or cold foods such as ice, ice cream, hot tea, and coffee, which can increase tooth sensitivity.
• Tea, coffee, and dark-colored drinks, as these can easily stain teeth after scaling.
• Alcoholic beverages, which may slow gum healing and cause irritation.
  Smoking, which increases the risk of gingivitis and infection after treatment.

Choose soft, easily chewable foods and drink plenty of water to help your mouth recover properly.

Can you remove tartar at home?

It is not recommended to remove tartar at home because tartar is a hard, firmly attached deposit. It requires specialized tools and the skill of a dentist. Attempting to remove it yourself may damage the enamel, injure the gums, cause infection, or lead to gum recession. Proper care involves brushing your teeth thoroughly, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for checkups and professional tartar removal at appropriate intervals.

Dental Scaling at Vibhavadi Hospital

Vibhavadi Hospital's dental scaling service is of high standard, convenient for patients, and performed by expert dentists using modern, sterilized equipment to effectively remove tartar and bacteria accumulated on the teeth and under the gum line.

Before the procedure, the dentist will conduct a thorough oral health assessment to plan appropriate treatment for each individual. During the procedure, gentle care is provided to minimize sensitivity and discomfort. After the procedure, advice is given on proper tooth and gum care to help reduce tartar recurrence and promote good oral health in the long term. Suitable for those who want regular dental care or to start their annual dental check-up at a standard medical facility.

summary

Dental scaling is a procedure that many people overlook, but it actually helps prevent dental and gum problems from the start. Regular scaling reduces bad breath, lowers the risk of gingivitis, and keeps teeth clean and strong in the long run. Although there may be slight tooth sensitivity after the procedure, it will disappear on its own with proper care. Dental scaling is not as painful as you might think, and it is a worthwhile investment compared to future treatments. If you consistently care for your teeth and visit your dentist as scheduled, good oral health will last a long time.

If you care about your long-term dental and gum health, regular oral health check-ups are an important starting point. Vibhavadi Hospital offers comprehensive oral health check-ups and teeth cleaning services by a team of expert dentists, using standard equipment and reliable treatment procedures.