When do we need scaling and polishing?
Our teeth become stained over time due to various food and also bacterial action. Other than stains, calculus (stones) develops due to food debris in the mouth and the build-up of calculus can cause gum swelling and infection. Scaling is done to remove calculus while polishing is to clean stains on tooth. This procedure helps keep the gum-tooth interface clean and healthy thus reducing the possibility of gum disease, swelling and bleeding.
Scaling means scraping away. You can scale old food, tartar, or even a fish bone caught under the gum. When our teeth require a thorough clean to remove all traces of plaque and tartar, a scalar (specialised instrument) is used to do so. It can remove what cannot be removed by simply brushing our teeth. The whole procedure is known as scaling.
To polish teeth, generally, a rotating brush or rubber polisher with prophylaxis paste/special toothpaste like material is used to make the teeth shiny and more beautiful.
Scaling and polishing are needed on a regular basis. It is suggested that scaling and polishing should ideally be done at an interval of six months. It also helps prevent gum recession and gum diseases which are the main cause of shaky teeth and tooth loss, to facilitate screening for oral disease like cavities and decay.
Again, you must remove something caught under the gums before it causes more pain and swelling. Remove a piece of fish bone or piece of mango string now.
If the person has a mild gum problem (gums that bleed), wait a week or so before scaling. If the person uses this time to clean his teeth better and to rinse with warm salt water, the gums will improve. The person's teeth will be easier for you to scale, and he will learn that he can do much by himself to care for the gums.
Periodic tooth scaling is one of the most important methods to keep good oral hygiene and keep gums and teeth disease free. In general we should make tooth scaling and polishing two times yearly at minimum as many patients tend to form calculus in a very high rate. Those patients may need to make tooth scaling and polishing in shorter periods.
Having a regular scaling and polish will help you to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, this may be the early signs of gum disease. Using regular scaling your dentist can help prevent gum disease from getting worse. This will also prevent bad breath, as this can be caused by gum disease. With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can lead a healthy lifestyle and have a great confident smile always.
The write up is compiled by Dr Kazi Md Niazur Rahman, a dental surgeon working at Dhaka Dental College & Hospital.
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