Scaling is the process of removing plaque from your teeth. DH Dental offers ultrasonic teeth scaling and polishing to help your smile looks its best. Despite your daily brushing and flossing routine, there’s enough bacteria in your mouth to form beneath the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. A regular trip to the dentist, however, can take care of that problem. Scaling keeps your teeth healthier, which also increases their endurance, and prevents tooth loss.
The plaque in your mouth is formed from the tiny bits of food that are left behind when you eat, which provides ‘food’ for the bacteria. The plaque will harden if it is not removed between 10-14 hours, and then it can only be removed by scaling. There are some kinds of mouthwash and other homemade recipes that can help a little bit, but none of them are as effective as scaling.
Who Needs Teeth scaling and Polishing
No matter how effective your dental routine might be, you are likely to have plaque, and will need to get scaling done from your dentist at Doctors Hospital Dental. Even the most careful patients with the best regular oral health care practices can suffer from plaque build-up, so it is recommended you get your teeth cleaned and scaled at least twice a year. Scaling does not damage your teeth in any way so you can have it done as often as you like.
Why you should Get Scaling Done
Why should anyone care if they let the plaque harden on their teeth? Well, the plaque can cause gingivitis, which is a symptom of bacteria eating its way to the foundation of the tooth. Gingivitis can cause many types of oral problems, such as bad breath, a receding gum line, and even bone loss.
How it Works
The dental technician or oral hygienist uses specialized tools to do a very thorough cleanup, which includes cleaning above and below the gum line. Sometimes they will use an ultrasonic tool with a thin tip. This tool vibrates at an extremely high frequency, which is how it gets out the hardened plaque from the tooth surface without damaging the tooth in any way.
The length and complication of the cleaning and scaling really depends on the state of your mouth. If it has been a long time since you have had your teeth professionally cleaned, it will be a very lengthy process. In fact, it may take more than one appointment with the dentist to remove all of the plaque.
Having your teeth clean is not simply a matter of aesthetics. Keeping plaque away helps maintain the health of your mouth as well as keep you gum disease free. Follow your dentist’s instructions on cleaning at home, and be sure to see him or her frequently.