Scaling and polishing is cleaning of the teeth carried out by a dentist. We will clean around the gum line on the back and front of your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar. The most important and valuable dental visit for you is a dental clean and check-up. Teeth cleaning and polishing allows the dentist to maintain your oral hygiene and health. Regular dental cleaning and checkups are important to prevent dental diseases from developing. Daily brushing, rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash and flossing might not be enough to maintain a good oral health in the long run. To maintain good oral health, it is imperative to visit your dentist every six months. Going for regular check-ups helps keep your gums and teeth healthy and allows early detection of any problems such as gum disease, cavities and oral cancer.
Why is dental Cleaning done?
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 there is a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance called calculus or tartar will eventually build up over time. Usually it is tooth coloured and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in colour.
If the the calculus (tartar) is allowed to accumulate on the teeth it will 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, other reasons are:
To remove stains caused by food for example: coffee, tea, red wine or from smoking.
To allow screening for oral disease or any systemic disease that may be having an oral manifestation.
Scaling
As we eat and drink, food and bacteria may accumulate in our teeth, which eventually becomes dental plaque. Over time, the dental plaque may calcify and harden to form tartar. While regular brushing and flossing may remove some plaque, they cannot remove tartar. It will have to be removed by a dentist via a procedure called scaling.
Scaling involves the use of a specialised instrument to loosen and remove plaque and tartar without damaging your gums and teeth.
Polishing
Usually done after scaling, polishing removes surface stains while making your teeth smooth and shiny. Your dentist will use another instrument, along with a special paste, to polish your teeth.
Depending on your oral health, you may need to get your teeth cleaned every six months. If you are due for your regular cleaning, send us an enquiry or make an appointment.
