Cleaning and Scaling – Why It’s Important to Your Smile
Even with regular and proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar will still build up over time. Gum disease, is the primary cause of tooth loss among adults often with irreversible consequences. Early signs of infection are swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath and sensitivity. Known as gingivitis, if caught early the condition is easily treated with professional cleaning. But in serious cases, the gums and underlying ligaments can become infected. This condition, periodontists, may result in the teeth moving out of alignment. It can attack without symptoms and, despite careful oral hygiene, erode the bone supporting teeth and cause gums to recede.
Dentists usually fight periodontists through teeth scaling and root planing, using metal scrapers to reach the roots, remove sticky yellow tartar – plaque that has hardened on the teeth, encouraging bacterial growth – and smooth the irregular surfaces to which bacteria cling.
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Dental cleanings involve removing plaque (soft, sticky, bacteria infested film) and tartar deposits that have built up on the teeth over time. Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect the teeth. While this is a good thing, it also means that we tend to get a buildup of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will eventually build up over time, like limescale in a pipe or kettle. Usually it is tooth colored and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in color. If the scale, or calculus (tartar, as dentists like to call it) is allowed to accumulate on the teeth it will unfortunately provide the right conditions for bacteria to thrive next to the gums. The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and you have a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular home care. Also it leaves your teeth feeling lovely and smooth and clean, which is nice when you run your tongue around them. Does it hurt to have scaling done?Most people find that scaling is painless, and find the sensations described above do not cause discomfort. Many patients love the beautifully smooth feel of their teeth afterwards! If the experience is less pleasant, this can be due to a variety of factors: exposed dentin or root surface (not dangerous, but can make cleanings a little sensitive), or infected gum tissues. Dental scaling and polishing is recommended to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and may be necessary every six months depending on the oral condition of a patient. As infections and diseases can spread from the mouth to the rest of the body, affecting general systemic health, it is important to maintain good oral health and hygiene. At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic we take pride in the work our hygienists do in cleaning and scaling your teeth. You will love the results, its amazing how much brighter and whiter your smile is afterward. Come visit us soon for a thorough cleaning and check up! |
