What Is Teeth Scaling and Polishing? Side Effects and Benefits

What is teeth scaling and polishing?

Teeth scaling and polishing is a professional dental cleaning process that eliminates plaque, stains and tartar (calculus) from your teeth, and helps to keep your smile bright and healthy. Preventative treatment which is carried out by a dentist or dental hygienist and is recommended every 6-12 months depending on the level of oral health needs.

Teeth Scaling

The process of removing is called:

• Plaque (a sticky film of bacteria)
• Hardened tartar (calculus)
• Bacterial deposits on and at the base of the gums.
• Tartar is eliminated by using manual instruments or ultrasonic scalers which gently chip away at the tartar with little discomfort.

Teeth Polishing

• Once scaled, the teeth are buffed with a rotating rubber cup or brush and special polishing paste for polishing. Polishing:
• Stains from Coffee, Tea, Tobacco and some food items on the surface can be removed.
• Smooths the tooth surfaces so that plaque is less likely to adhere to them.
• Leaves teeth feeling clean and shiny
• Who Requires Teeth Scaling and polishing?

This procedure is suggested for:

• Patients with the exposed plaque accumulation
• People with swollen and bleeding gums.
• Those who smoke or indulge in tobacco use
• Those who drink tea, coffee or red wine regularly
• People who have chronic halitosis.
• Individuals who are due for a routine check-up with a dentist

Teeth scaling and polishing side effects

Dentists perform teeth cleaning by using a specialized tool that is technically referred to as teeth scaling and polishing and it is a safe and regular dental practice. The side effects are mild and temporary and usually clear up after a few days. These short-term effects generally are outweighed by the benefits of removing plaque and tartar.

Common Side Effects:

Tooth Sensitivity

• Some foods and beverages are more sensitive to heat, cold, sweet or acidic and this is quite common.
• Typically, it will take a few hours to a few days.
• Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be used to minimize sensitivity.

Gum Soreness

• After the cleaning, your gums may be slightly sore or sensitive, especially if there was a lot of tartar to be removed.
• The pain usually subsides in 1-3 days.

Minor Gum Bleeding

• There can be a small amount of bleeding when you have your teeth scaled, and this may be more noticeable if you have inflamed gums or gingivitis.
• This typically decreases rapidly, and the gums start to heal.

Mild Swelling

• There may be some minor swelling of gums that will pass after a day or two.

Temporary Gaps between teeth/transitional spaces between teeth

• Once tartar has been removed, it is possible that you will see small gaps between your teeth.
• These are not as a result of the procedure, but rather they were already filled with tartar deposits.

Mild Discomfort

• There might be a sensation of pressure or mild discomfort after treatment, particularly after a deep scaling treatment.
• This ache typically goes away in 24–48 hours.

Benefits of scaling and polishing teeth

Scaling and polishing is a dental cleaning technique that eliminates plaque, tartar and surface stains from teeth. Good oral care habits, avoiding oral problems and keeping your smile looking great are the benefits of regular treatment.

Clears hard deposits on the teeth (plaque and tartar)

• Removes hardened tartar (calculus) and plaque that can't be removed with brushing and flossing, which lowers the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Prevents Gum Disease

• When plaque and tartar are removed, gingivitis and periodontitis will not develop, which will help keep your gums healthy and reduce gum inflammation.

Reduces Bad Breath

• The bacteria that accumulate in plaque and tartar can often lead to chronic bad breath (halitosis). These bacteria are destroyed by scaling and polishing, and your mouth is refreshed.

Reduces the danger of tooth decay

• Professional cleaning prevents bacteria from building up which helps to keep your teeth cavity free and maintain good oral health.

Removes Surface Stains

• Polishing gets rid of stains created by coffee, tea, tobacco, and some food items, and brightens and shines teeth.

Produces a Smoother Tooth Surface

• Smoothing with polish makes the enamel more challenging for plaque and bacteria to adhere to teeth.

Improves Overall Oral Hygiene

• Professional cleaning can be used in addition to your at-home brushing and flossing to help maintain a healthy mouth.

Detects Dental Problems Early

• The regular check-ups with your dentist for a scaling and polishing appointment help your dentist detect early cavities, gum disease, or any other oral health problem.

Helps Preserve Natural Teeth

• A healthy mouth with clean teeth = good support for natural teeth, which means less risk of tooth loss from a more severe gum disease.

Enhances Your Smile

• Bright, shiny teeth give you a better sense of self-confidence while talking and smiling.

Supports Overall Health

• Healthy gums can help decrease inflammation in the body and has been shown to help lower the risk of other health conditions linked to gum disease like heart disease and diabetes complications.

Saves Money on Future Dental Treatments

• Regular scaling and polishing can minimize the need for more costly interventions like deep cleanings, gum surgery, fillings or tooth replacement.

How often to scale and polish teeth?

In most cases, teeth scaling and polishing is advised in a routine dental check-up every 6 months for adults. But the best time will depend on your oral hygiene, the amount of plaque and your susceptibility to gum disease.

General guideline

• Get a check-up of your teeth and gums: every 6-12 months.
• Small plaque or tartar has built up: every 6 months
• Gingivitis (Bleeding gums): Every 3-6 months
• Periodontitis or history of gum disease: Every 3–4 months
• Every 4 to 6 months if you smoke, use tobacco or drink a lot of tea or coffee.
• Braces, implants, crowns or bridges: 3–6 months (as recommended by your dentist)

Scaling and polishing of teeth

Procedure: Step-by-Step

• Dental examination – the dentist examines the teeth and gums.
• Scaling: Ultrasonic or hand scaling devices are used to remove plaque and tartar.
• Polishing: Staining and smoothing of the enamel by using a special paste.
• Final Rinse: Mouth is rinsed and fluoride treatment may be suggested if necessary.
• This typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar.

Conclusion

Teeth scaling and polishing is a necessary preventive dental treatment that aids in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, eliminating the build-up of plaque, tartar and surface stains which may not be removed by routine brushing and flossing. It will help to enhance your smile but also minimize the likelihood of gum disease, tooth decay and any lingering odours. Regular professional cleaning (usually every 6-12 months or as advised by your dentist) is important for maintaining your oral health in the long term and is safe, effective and suitable for most people. Scaling and polishing, in addition to maintaining proper oral hygiene at home and getting regular professional check-ups can help you keep your natural teeth and look, feel and sound healthy, fresh and confident.

Teeth scaling and polishing in India GetWellGo

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FAQ

Does teeth scaling and polishing hurt?

• The procedure doesn't cause much pain for most people. Some tooth sensitivity or slight gum soreness may follow; there may be a slight vibration or pressure felt during the cleaning; after cleaning, some gum tenderness may be present particularly if there is lots of tartar.

Is scaling harmful to the enamel of the tooth?

• No. If done by a qualified dentist or dental hygienist, a professionally done scaling and polishing do not harm healthy tooth enamel. It effectively and safely eliminates hardened tartar and plaque which cannot be brushed away.

Is scaling and polishing effective in whitening teeth?

• The teeth are cleaner and brighter after scaling and polishing. Scaling and polishing eliminates surface stains from coffee, tea, tobacco and some foods. They do not however, change the natural color of your teeth as professional teeth whitening treatments do.

To whom teeth scaling and polishing should be done?

• Professional dental cleaning is beneficial for anyone particularly individuals who have a buildup of tartar, bleeding gums, bad breath, smoking and people who take a lot of tea, coffee or tobacco products.

So what are the steps following the teeth scaling and polishing?

• Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, drink plenty of water and steer clear of very hot and cold foods or foods that are high in acid for a few hours after the procedure, if you notice your teeth are sensitive. Follow other instructions given by your dentist.

May I eat straight after scaling and polishing?

• Typically, it is possible to eat after the procedure. If you have been treated with fluoride or experience temporary sensitivity, however, your dentist might recommend waiting for a short time and not eating or drinking foods that can stain for a couple of hours