Scaling

1. What is dental scaling?

Scaling, also known as dental scaling, is a dental procedure that removes hard plaque (tartar) that builds up on the surface of teeth and below the gum line. Tartar forms when soft plaque is not removed regularly and becomes calcified by minerals in saliva.
Tartar can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis if not removed regularly.
Scaling is usually performed by a dentist or dental technician who uses specialized tools such as ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers to safely and effectively remove tartar.

Scaling is an important part of maintaining overall oral health. It not only cleans your teeth but also prevents oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

2. Why do we need to remove tartar?

There are several important reasons why scaling is necessary:

• Prevent gingivitis: Tartar is a home to bacteria that cause gingivitis. Removing tartar helps reduce the risk of gum disease.
• Prevent tooth decay: Bacteria in tartar secrete acid, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
• Improve breath: Tartar accumulates bacteria that cause bad breath. Scaling helps freshen breath.
• Early detection of dental problems: During the scaling process, the dentist may detect other problems such as tooth decay or cracked teeth.
• Protect your overall health: Research shows a link between gum disease and other health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

3. Dental scaling process

The dental scaling process usually includes the following steps:

Step 1: Examination and assessment

Your dentist will examine your oral health, determine the extent of tartar buildup, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Step 2: Clean the tooth surface

Uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove large plaque deposits from the tooth surface. The ultrasonic tip creates gentle vibrations to break up and remove tartar.

Step 3: Clean under the gums

The dentist will use a hand scaler to remove tartar from hard-to-reach areas, especially below the gum line.

Step 4: Polishing teeth

After scaling, the teeth will be polished with a special polishing paste to smooth the tooth surface and prevent new plaque buildup.

Step 5: Rinse and check

You will be given a mouth rinse to remove any remaining debris. Your dentist will check to make sure all the tartar has been removed.

Step 6: Post-treatment care instructions

Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth at home and schedule follow-up visits if necessary.

4. Benefits of scaling

Scaling brings many important benefits to oral health:

• Prevent gum disease: Removing tartar helps reduce bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Reduce bad breath: Removes bacteria accumulated in tartar for fresher breath.
• Prevent tooth decay: Reduce the risk of tooth decay by eliminating the favorable environment for bacteria to grow.
• Protect gums and jawbones: Prevent the progression of gum disease, helping to protect gums and jawbones.
• Long-term cost savings: Prevents serious dental problems, saving on future treatment costs.
• Early detection of problems: Your dentist can detect and treat other dental problems early during your dental cleaning.

5. Appropriate frequency of scaling

The appropriate frequency of scaling can vary from person to person, but typically:

– For people with good oral health: every 6 months
– For people at high risk of gum disease: every 3-4 months

Factors affecting the frequency of dental scaling:

– Oral hygiene habits
– Diet
– Smoking
– Underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes)
– Individual rate of tartar formation

Consult your dentist to determine the appropriate frequency of scaling for your oral health.

6. Is it painful to have your teeth scaled?

Many people worry about the pain of having their teeth cleaned. However, the process is usually painless. You may feel:

– Slight pain when the ultrasound head touches the tooth
– Feeling of pressure when the dentist uses a hand scraper
– A little uncomfortable when water sprays into the mouth

If you have sensitive teeth or gums that are easily irritated, let your dentist know. They may use a local anesthetic gel to reduce any discomfort.

After your teeth are cleaned, you may experience some tooth sensitivity for a few days. This is normal and will resolve on its own. If the discomfort persists, contact your dentist for advice.

7. Methods of removing tartar at home

Although dental scaling at the dentist's office is the most effective and safest method, there are a few ways you can help reduce tartar at home:

• Brush your teeth properly: Use a soft toothbrush, brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes.
• Floss: Clean between teeth daily to remove plaque.
• Salt water rinse: Helps reduce bacteria and stimulates healthy gums.
• Eat raw apples or carrots: Helps increase saliva production and cleans teeth naturally.

However, these methods are only supportive and cannot completely replace professional scaling at a dental clinic.

8. Notes after scaling

To ensure the best results after scaling, you should follow these tips:

• Avoid eating or drinking for the first 30 minutes after scaling.
• Do not eat hard, hot or cold foods for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for a few days.
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve gum irritation.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
• If pain or bleeding persists, contact your dentist.
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent tartar from forming again.

9. Cost of dental scaling

The cost of scaling can vary depending on location and the complexity of each case. In Vietnam, the average cost for a scaling session usually ranges from 300,000 to 1,000,000 VND.

Factors affecting cost include:

– Tartar level
– Method of use (ultrasonic or hand scraping)
– Clinic location
– Dentist experience

Some clinics may offer a package that includes scaling and polishing at a discounted price. You should check prices at different clinics to make the right choice.

10. Frequently asked questions about dental scaling

Question 1: Does scaling weaken teeth?

Answer: No, scaling does not weaken teeth. On the contrary, it helps protect teeth from oral diseases.

Question 2: Do I need to fast before scaling?

Answer: Not necessary, but it is recommended to brush your teeth thoroughly before going to the clinic.

Question 3: Does scaling whiten teeth?

Answer: Scaling can help whiten teeth by removing plaque and stains, but it is not a specialized teeth whitening method.

Question 4: Is scaling safe for pregnant women?

Answer: Yes, scaling is safe and even recommended for pregnant women to prevent dental problems. However, it is advisable to inform your dentist about your pregnancy.

Question 5: After scaling, how long does it take for tartar to form again?

Answer: The rate at which tartar forms varies from person to person. Typically, tartar can start to form again after 3-6 months. Good oral hygiene can slow this process.

11. Conclusion

Scaling is an important dental procedure that helps maintain good oral health and prevent many dental diseases. Although it can cause a little discomfort, the benefits are huge.

Maintaining good daily oral hygiene habits combined with regular dental cleanings is the key to healthy teeth and a bright smile. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to oral health.

If you haven't had a cleaning in a while or notice signs like bad breath, red, swollen gums, or bleeding when brushing, don't hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist. Proper oral care not only gives you a beautiful smile, but also contributes to your overall health.

Do you have any questions about scaling or other dental problems? Don’t hesitate to use the “ASK A QUESTION” form on our website. Our experienced dentists will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Finally, try the “DENTAL QUIZ” on the website to test and improve your knowledge about dental care.