SHARES
Nikki takes care of her teeth by brushing them at least twice a day. However, as time passes, she still notices plaque and tartar build up on her teeth. Most of the time, these yellowish tartars build up can be seen on some of her back teeth and also behind her lower front teeth. Her dentist advises her to have a dental scale and polish to remove these tartar deposits and to maintain her gum healthy.
What is a dental scale and polish?
A dental scale and polish is a procedure carried out to remove excessive plaque and tartar build up on teeth. In common terms, your dentist may recommend you to get your teeth cleaned. Brushing and flossing prevents plaque from building up and hardening into tartar. Once the tartar gets build up, a professional clean at the dental clinic is the only way to go. Depending on the extent of tartar build up or inflammation of the gums, your teeth may need to undergo more in-depth teeth cleaning which can also be known as root planing.
Why do you need a dental scale and polish?
You and I experience some form of plaque build up over time. Therefore, it is important that regular brushing is complemented by a more thorough dental scaling and polishing. If plaque and tartar remain on the teeth for a long period of time, gum disease can happen and thus affect your oral health. Bacteria in these build up will cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, causing large pockets to grow between your teeth and gums. Moreover, bacteria will proliferate and grow in these pockets where your toothbrush is unable to reach. If left untreated, gum disease can become severe and lead to:
- Bleeding and puffy gums
- Loose teeth
- Bone loss
- Tooth loss
Image source
Before (Top): Calculus in between teeth with red, inflamed gums
After (Bottom): After dental scale and polish, less gum inflammation
What to expect from the procedure?
Dental scaling involves careful removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth above and just below the gumline. Firstly, your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler to get rid of the bulk of the tartar between your teeth and gums. This is an instrument which has a vibrating metal tip combined with a cool water spray. The vibration from the instrument will cause the tartar to chip away from the teeth. Many people have the wrong idea that scaling may cause teeth to move and loosen but a scaler only vibrates and does not affect the teeth.
Then, your dentist will use handheld instruments to further scrape away any remaining tartar build up. These instruments are able to access areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. If root planing is required, your dentist will smoothen the deeper root surface of your teeth. This will help your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth.
Manual scaling with handheld instruments
Nevertheless, you may heard from others that they dread going to the dentist to have a scale. Dental scaling can be uncomfortable, especially if you gums are inflamed and you have sensitive teeth. Your dentist may offer local anaesthetic to numb your gum and teeth thus making the procedure more comfortable. Hence, talk to your dentist about the option for desensitising the area if you are worried about the discomfort during the procedure.
After completing the scale, the dentist will then proceed with polishing using a handpiece with a soft rubber cup. A polishing paste is used to smoothen away any rough areas on the teeth to protect against further plaque build up. Polishing may also help to remove stains keeping your teeth bright and clean.
How often should I get a dental scale and polish?
Most people will have their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. That being said, your dentist will advise on the frequency of a scale and polish depending on your oral health.
Conclusion
It is important to have regular check ups and professional clean at the dentist to prevent problems in the future. Scheduling a dental scale is essential to battle against the plaque build up over time and thus maintaining a cleaner mouth.
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
