Scaling and polishing is one of the routine but most essential treatments.

What is scaling?

Scaling is the removal of dental plaque and calculus (tartar), stains, etc. from the surface of teeth.Dental plaque can adhere to the surface of teeth which harbours bacteria. If regular oral hygiene maintenance is poor, these bacteria can colonise and become hard deposits with the help of food debris as their substrate. It is advisable to get a professional cleaning (scale and polish) once every 6 months.

What is plaque?

Plaque is the soft and yellowish material stuck to your teeth. It is harmful as it causes gingivitis-red, swollen and bleeding gums. Gingivitis makes way for harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream that produce toxins in your body.

Uncleaned plaque causes bad smell/ bad breath and cavities. Plaque is made up of harmful bacteria and food debris. Plaque settles down wherever possible in your mouth and leads to bad breath. Plaque could settle between two teeth and on biting surfaces giving rise to decayed tooth/ cavities.

Uncleaned plaque gradually hardens to form a whitish structure called calculus. Calculus is dangerous as it destroys the underlying bone structure. You must be aware that your teeth are supported by the bones that keep them in their place. When calculus destroys the bone structure, teeth gradually becomes loose. If its left untreated, you may lose the tooth/teeth.

During scaling, we remove all the calculus and hidden plaque and help you improve your oral health. When we remove calculus, gradually, your teeth start healing as there is no more trigger for bone destruction from the overlying calculus.

After scaling, we polish your teeth so that your tooth surfaces are smooth. Rough tooth surfaces invite plaque, calculus and decay. Polishing also helps you get rid of the stains and bring some shine to your teeth.

We perform scaling using ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers if needed and polishing using a device with rubber cups. After scaling and polishing, we advise you on the right brushing techniques. Using the right toothbrush, toothpaste and brushing techniques form the most essential part of oral care.

It is recommended that you see a dentist every six months. Though you brush meticulously twice a day, there might be certain areas that are not thoroughly cleaned. We need to remove the hidden plaque and calculus to prevent decay.

A healthy mouth helps you keep your body healthy!

For more details, please meet us at Ponsonby Dental Boutique today.