What is teeth cleaning (scaling)?
– Dental scaling is the process of removing hard plaque and tartar (calculus) that adheres to the teeth and below the gums using specialized dental instruments.
Why is it necessary to remove tartar?
- Prevents gingivitis and periodontitis
- Prevents cavities
- Fresher breath
- Long-term protection for teeth and gums
Why is regular teeth cleaning necessary?
1. Avoid bad breath.
Dental plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria, which, when it develops into tartar, makes oral hygiene more difficult. The more tartar accumulates, the more likely it is to cause bad breath. Removing tartar effectively improves this condition.
2. Preventing the progression of periodontal disease
Gum disease is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque is always forming on teeth, but if it’s not cleaned properly, the bacteria in the plaque cause inflammation of the gums.
Gum inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating spaces called pockets. Plaque becomes trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed by regular brushing. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss.
3. Preventing tooth decay
The main cause of tooth decay is the attack of bacteria in plaque and the acids they produce. Regular dental cleanings effectively remove plaque and decay-causing bacteria, preventing cavities and eliminating the causes of many other oral health problems.
4. Reduce dental expenses.
Compared to the cost of treating serious dental and gum diseases such as cavities, periodontitis, and pulpitis caused by bacteria in tartar, the cost of dental tartar removal is much lower. Furthermore, regular tartar removal helps prevent the development of gingivitis, periodontitis, cavities, and other serious complications.
5. Protect your teeth
The accumulation of tartar over a long period can lead to serious consequences such as gingival inflammation, gingival recession, weakening of the jawbone structure, and reduced adhesion of the tissues surrounding the tooth roots, causing toothache and even tooth loss.
Regular tartar removal plays a crucial role in protecting the jawbone structure and the stability of the tooth roots. Tartar removal is considered an effective measure in maintaining gum health and overall oral health.
6. Improve overall health
Besides the direct benefits to oral health, tartar removal also limits the spread of infection to nearby organs such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. This process can prevent bacterial endocarditis, contributing to improved treatment effectiveness for diabetes-related diseases.
Is getting tartar removed painful?
- Dental scaling is usually painless, as the dentist uses specialized instruments to gently remove plaque. Some people with sensitive gums or a lot of tartar may experience mild soreness or slight discomfort during the procedure.
- After a dental cleaning, your gums may be slightly red or sensitive for 1–2 days, but this will quickly subside.
Does removing tartar have any side effects?
Removing tartar does not affect your health. On the contrary, tartar removal makes it less likely for bacteria and plaque to adhere to the tooth surface, reducing inflammation and promoting gum recovery after inflammation. Healthy gums adhere more tightly to the tooth roots, making teeth stronger.
Indications and contraindications for dental scaling.
1. Who should have their teeth cleaned regularly?
- If you have periodontal disease, you may need a dental cleaning and root surface cleaning to remove plaque and treat inflamed gums.
- It’s time for your regular dental cleaning.
- Excessive tartar buildup on teeth, with an abnormal increase in quantity, and stains appearing above or below the gum line.
- Pregnant women.
- Maintain good oral hygiene before radiation therapy or surgery.
2. Contraindications for teeth cleaning
- Patients with gingivitis, acute periodontitis, ulcerative gingivitis, and acute necrosis.
- Upper airway obstruction, inability to breathe through the nose.
- Acute pulpitis, intolerance to vibrations from scaling instruments, intolerance to cold, sensitivity after scaling.
- People with serious complications of diabetes.
- Patients may suffer from conditions such as dengue fever, immunodeficiency, infectious diseases transmitted through saliva, blood clotting disorders, and inability to stop bleeding, etc.
- People with neurological disorders, seizures, or those who cannot control their behavior.
