Dental health is as important as general health. We must take care of our teeth because we are provided with only one natural set. Proper dental care and hygiene can keep teeth healthy for a lifetime.
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that is formed on the teeth. The bacteria multiply rapidly in this film and can cause infections. The dental plaque has to be removed within 10-14 hours by brushing or else it hardens to form calculus or tartar. Once formed, calculus cannot be removed by normal brushing but has to be removed by scaling by a dentist.
Scaling or prophylaxis is the procedure of removing calculus (tartar), plaque and stains from the teeth. Tooth scaling is part of professional tooth cleaning. Everyday brushing and flossing is vital to maintain good oral hygiene. Lack of proper daily dental care can lead to the formation of dental plaque.
Scaling is a procedure used to remove infected deposits like plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth surfaces. If they are not removed by scaling, these deposits cause infection and loosening of the gums, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Scaling makes gums healthy and firm. Scaling is a safe and routine procedure and does not damage the tooth surface. But it must be done by a dental professional.
Polishing of tooth surfaces is used to make tooth surfaces smooth. This makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate on the teeth to cause decay or gum disease.
When scaling and polishing is done, it is like cleansing the teeth deep. Dentists use special tools to remove the calculus (tartar) then give the teeth a thorough polish. Areas below the gum line, behind the teeth and gaps in between the teeth are thoroughly cleaned as these are the regions commonly untouched by normal brushing.
A routine dental check-up once in six months is advisable. The dentist will be able to advise whether scaling has to be done. It can be done once in six months and followed up by reviewing after six months.
