Dental scaling – Why and when you should consider it?

Let us first take a quick recap on dental plaque. This will help understanding the core topic better.

Plaque is a harmful substance that keeps forming on the teeth, gums and the tongue. It is a thin film that keeps forming automatically on its own. Harmful bacteria and other germs that ruin the health and wellbeing of our teeth and the gums thrive inside the films of plaque. Plaque has to be cleaned from the mouth regularly. If it is left ignored it turns harder. The harder mass is called tartar or calculus. Tartar or calculus is more difficult to deal with compared to plaque build-ups. It attracts more harmful bacteria and eventually pave to way to gum disease. Gum disease in its advanced stages often result in gum recession and tooth loss.

In order to ensure there is no plaque build-up in the mouth you have no other option than maintaining sound oral hygiene religiously ever day. You also should visit your dentist at least every six months for routine checkups. During these routine dental checkups your dentist (or a dental hygienist or dental therapist under the prescription of a dentist) professionally cleans your teeth. Professional teeth-cleaning is called scaling or periodontal scaling.  

Now the question is whether scaling or professional teeth cleaning good or bad? One of the best places for teeth scaling in London is the Smile Clinic London, which is located on the West End Lane. The practice has an amazing record in handling this range of cases. The easiest way to reach out to this place is searching online with strings like “teeth scaling near me”. Highly trained and experienced dentists at this practice have some vital information to share on the given context.

Let us see what these experts have to say regarding the matter.

What is deep cleaning of the teeth?

The usual signs of deep cleaning of the teeth include bleeding gums, loose teeth and receding gums. Periodontal scaling or professional cleaning of the teeth is very common to counter those symptoms. But skilled and experienced dentists opine the procedure is quite risky. On the positive stride it cleans away plaque and tartar build-ups from the teeth. As a result gum health is improved. The procedure also helps reducing gum inflammation.

Plaque – as we have already mentioned earlier – is a sticky film which forms on the teeth, the gums and the tongue. It develops when food particles mix your saliva and contains harmful bacteria. Properly brushing the teeth is a tried and tested way for plaque removal. But brushing may not clear away the entire plaque build-up from the mouth. A part of it may be left over in the mouth. In course of time the leftover plaque gets hardened or calcified. Thus plaques turn into tartar.

Plaque accumulated over a period of time may lead to gum disease. It includes gingivitis which is inflammation of the gum tissues. Gingivitis should never be ignored and left untreated. If left untreated it may lead to a more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. This is a severe condition and can bring about irreversible damage to your teeth and the gums.   

Advantages of teeth scaling

• It prevents progression of gum disease
• Scaling resolves the problem of bad breath
• It proves effective protecting the tooth root
• Scaling stimulates the gum tissues and promotes healthy gums
• Most importantly it saves from tooth or teeth loss

However the procedure also shows certain disadvantages which include the following –

Disadvantages of teeth scaling

• It leaves you with little pain and sensitivity in the teeth
• It may trigger gum recession
• There is even the risk of picking up an infection following the procedure
• In rare cases there is also the risk of nerve damage

Dental scaler

A dental scaler is a helpful tool which is designed to remove hardened plaque build-ups from the teeth and under the gums. It is also called a plaque scraper. Films of plaque build up in a natural procedure when food particles that we eat get mixed with the saliva. However improper brushing and flossing always lead to faster build up of plaque. A plaque scraper or dental scaler is basically a metal hand tool that has an end in the shape of a hook. This proves effective in plaque removal.

These days, electric version of the tool is also available. It removes harmful plaques more effectively and is called ultrasonic or piezoelectric dental scaler. Just anyone and everyone are not supposed to apply this tool. The tool is meant for registered professionals.

As the latest trend, an increasing number of people in London search online with strings like “dental scaling near me”.And that is how they reach one of the most reliable places in the city for professional teeth cleaning. Registered dental practitioners in the city usually recommend deep cleaning of the teeth only under specific circumstance. If your gums pull away from your teeth creating a gap of more than 5 mm then professional cleaning is considered.