A simple but necessary maintenance for your teeth every 6 months
Teeth Cleaning and Polishing
Regular brushing and flossing of your teeth twice a day is a process where you will be cleaning only the visible areas of the teeth. It will not clean the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth such as areas between your teeth and gums.
What is the need for regular teeth scaling and polishing?
Teeth Scaling or Dental Scaling or Oral Prophylaxis is a process of removal of the plaque (soft deposit) and calculus or tartar (hard deposit) that build up on your teeth. If plaque and calculus are left on the tooth structure it may eventually lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. Teeth Scaling is done to prevent or treat any gum disease or tooth decay that has already appeared.
Teeth Polishing is done to remove the stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling. It is recommended to have a professional scaling and polishing once in 6 months by the dentist to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
What is plaque and calculus?
Plaque – It is a sticky, pale yellow film that constantly forms on naturally teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these toxins and acids in contact with your teeth. After constant acid attack, the tooth enamel breaks down forming a hole or cavity. If left alone for more time, plaque will mineralise to form calculus.
Calculus (Tartar) – It is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed by the dentist using special dental instruments.
How can plaque cause tooth decay?
When you eat foods containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth. After constant acid attack, the tooth enamel breaks down forming a hole or dental cavity.
How can plaque and calculus cause gum disease?
The plaque and calculus release harmful poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums start to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed, and healthy teeth can become loose and fall out.
It is recommended to undergo teeth scaling and polishing once in 6 months or twice in a year done by a dental professional to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you are looking for dentist in Mysore for your teeth scaling and polishing, contact us or book an appointment at Life Care Dental Clinic Mysore.
FAQ's on Teeth Cleaning & Polishing
Regular dental cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities and gum problems.
