Dental scaling/ cleaning is a term we have come across when we visit our dentist for a dental checkup and often doctor recommends that we get our teeth cleaned or get scaling done at least once every six months for good oral hygiene. However many of us ignore the suggestion and always has excuses for not getting it done. Often, these excuses are based on myths about dental scaling.

Today we will decode why dental scaling is required and how this simple non-invasive procedure helps in maintaining good oral health and saves the tooth from advanced gum / periodontal diseases, which requires further costly invasive treatment.

What is scaling and how it can help us?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth. It contains millions of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum diseases, while Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that develops if the plaque is not removed on time.

Improper brushing and poor oral hygiene lead to heavy deposits of plaque and calculus which if not removed regularly lead to various complications like bleeding from gums, pocket formation, infection in bone and mobility of teeth over time.

Teeth Scaling is a routine dental procedure with which plaque and tartar/calculus deposits that form on teeth are cleaned or scraped away. Scaling is usually recommended when the gum disease is of a moderate level, in order to stop it from spreading and leading to further complications. When the gum disease is found to be severe, then teeth scaling is done prior to the further treatment procedures.

Here are some common myths surrounding teeth scaling.

1. 1. Scaling weakens the teeth and makes them loose
      Scaling does not cause the mobility of teeth. It is the chronic deposition of plaque and calculus around teeth and gums which leads to the progression of gum disease, bleeding of gums and weakening of bone. Infection in bones causes loss of support and teeth to become mobile.Scaling, on the contrary, stops the mobility of teeth!
   2. Scaling makes the teeth sensitive
      Scaling makes the teeth sensitive with the onset of gum disease, the gaps between the tooth are filled with tartar. When this tartar is removed by scaling, the teeth get exposed to the oral environment and become moderately sensitive. In most cases, the sensitivity vanishes in a couple of days.
   3. Scaling causes gaps between the teeth
      When the gum disease is progressing at a moderate level, the usual gaps between the teeth get filled by tartar which forms on the teeth. After scaling, when the harmful tartar fillings are removed from the teeth, patients feel that the gaps between the teeth have increased.
   4. Scaling is painful contrary to popular belief, scaling is a painless process, with the patient feeling a mild scraping sensation on the teeth when the scaling is taking place.
   5. ENAMEL IS REMOVED
      Enamel is the outermost and hardest layer of the tooth. It does not get removed by scaling. Scaling removes only the calculus deposits around teeth. After scaling is completed polishing is done to create smooth surfaces on the tooth.

Now that we know about the benefits of scaling, book your appointment now and flaunt your smile with healthy sparkly teeth!

Always remember prevention is better than cure!