Teeth Cleaning also referred to as Teeth Scaling or Oral Prophylaxis is a preventive dental procedure done to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup from all the surfaces of your teeth, along the gumline and in between teeth. After scaling, the teeth are polished using polishing paste to smooth out the tooth surfaces, making it more difficult for plaque and stains to adhere. Polishing also helps improve the aesthetics of your smile.
The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:
- Plaque & Calculus removal: – It prevents any serious gum disease or Pyorrhea and cavities.
- A healthier looking smile: – Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile.
- Fresher breath: – Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing gum disease. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
- Preventative Measure: -Professional dental cleaning can be performed at least twice annually as a preventative measure.
Dental scaling, also known as teeth scaling or oral prophylaxis, becomes necessary when you have following conditions:-
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup
- Gum Problems such as bleeding, swelling, or tenderness in the gums.
- Persistent Bad Breath.
- Tooth Sensitivity.
Regular teeth scaling plays a vital role in maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing oral disease. It’s essential to schedule dental scaling as recommended by your dentist to ensure a healthy and problem-free smile.
The process involves the following key steps:
- Assessment: Before scaling, a dental professional will examine your oral health to determine the extent of plaque and tartar accumulation and identify any signs of gum disease.
- Scaling: Using specialized instruments, such as scalers and ultrasonic devices, the dentist carefully removes plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth surfaces.
- Polishing: After scaling, the teeth are polished to smooth out the tooth surfaces, making it more difficult for plaque and stains to adhere. Polishing also helps improve the aesthetics of your smile.
- Oral Hygiene Guidance: Dental professionals often provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and maintaining regular dental check-ups, to help maintain the benefits of scaling.