What is Teeth Scaling?

To understand teeth scaling you need to first understand the process of cleaning the teeth and why it must be done. Let’s walk through the standard dental practices and where teeth scaling becomes part of the solution.

Why Do You Need Your Teeth Cleaned?

Each and every one of us has millions of bacteria in our mouths every moment of every hour of every day. This is a common fact of life. The bacteria are part of the process in breaking down the food into necessary nutrients to sustain life. We can monitor and keep the number of bacteria in check though. If we do not brush our teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day between the teeth the excessive bacteria will immediately create a clear sticky substance called plaque that will adhere to the enamel of our teeth. The acids that develop in the plaque will attack the enamel resulting in harmful cavities. You need to brush consistently to keep up with this vicious cycle.

The Dental Exam and Dental Cleaning Process

In addition to the strong suggestions from the health industries about your at-home oral hygiene, they also suggest you see your family dentist twice a year for an examination. At this time x-rays may capture what is going on below the surface and your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue and palette will be closely examined. The dentist or hygienist will use a hand instrument to check the teeth for cavities and then a different hand tool to scrap any unwanted plaque from all the teeth. The better job you do at home brushing makes this scaling process easier.

When is Teeth Scaling Necessary?

The dentist or hygienist can quickly see if the soft tissue of the gums is possibly infected. This happens if the plaque builds up and is allowed to travel down the tooth. As soon as the plaque comes in contact with the soft tissue it will result in an infection. This results in your gums swelling, changing to a deeper color, sagging away from your teeth and becoming uncomfortable to the touch. If left unattended it can cause further serious health concerns as well as losing your teeth.

The Teeth Scaling Process

The same small hand tool instrument used to scrape the plaque from the crowns of your teeth will be used to continue the procedure down the length of the tooth below the gumline. If the plaque or tarter has built up a local anesthetic might be necessary to numb the area while this work is being completed. The amount of scaling is totally relative to the build-up of the plaque and will even vary from tooth to tooth.

The Benefits of Teeth Scaling

Once the process has been completed an oral antibiotic might be prescribed for a day or two. The gums will respond quickly and will return to a healthy color and the swelling will diminish. It is a good lesson in taking the at-home oral hygiene habits to heart. You need to brush every day, period.

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