Scaling and polishing are very important in order to maintain good oral health or hygiene. Home remedies are quite common especially in the subcontinent. But myths coexist along with these home remedies and we at Jains Dental Villa ensure that you don’t fall prey to them. Some people apply soda while others rub a banana peel over their teeth in order to make it look glossy but these are mere myths and are ineffective methods. If brushing and cleaning are not done properly, a soft, white, slimy layer is formed on the teeth. This layer is called plaque and is formed in proximity to the tongue. If oral hygiene is neglected even further, the plaque will progress to form a yellow layer called calculus or tartar. This results in a number of dental issues such as bad breath, gum disease and decay of teeth.

The process of cleaning of the gums and teeth by a dentist or a dental hygienist is known as scaling and polishing. Ultrasonic scalers are employed to disintegrate the plaque/calculus. A rotating rubber cup or a rotary brush are used to remove minor stains after a polishing substance is applied on the teeth.

                                                    Importance of Scaling and Polishing

Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance in order to maintain a good level of oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly are essential in removing plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease and decay of teeth. But it is important to visit a dentist for scaling and polishing to remove the plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.

1. Prevention of Gum Disease: Plaque and tartar form on teeth if scaling and polishing are not done for a very long time. This results in several oral health issues such as inflammation of the gums. This is called gingivitis. Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque and tartar only up to a certain extent. It is difficult to clean plaque that is accumulated below the gumline. This is where scaling comes into the picture. Without scaling, gum disease can progress to periodontitis which can cause severe damage to the gums and surrounding areas of the mouth. Smoothening of the teeth is done with the help of polishing. A smoother surface prevents the easy accumulation of plaque and tartar.
2. Prevention of decay of teeth: Tooth decay is caused by bacteria present in plaque. The bacteria releases acids which contribute towards tooth decay. Scaling ensures that plaque is removed. Polishing of teeth removes stains present on them thereby making the enamel cleaner. A smooth surface does not encourage the formation of plaque thus preventing the formation of harmful bacteria.
3. Fresher Breath: Bad breath also called halitosis is also caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar especially below the gumline and between the teeth. Scaling and polishing help remove the plaque and tartar thus preventing the growth of bacteria that is responsible for bad breath.
4. Better Aesthetic Appearance: Regular brushing and flossing can remove stains on teeth only up to a certain extent. Certain types of stains caused by smoking, food and drinks can only be removed by scaling and polishing. Yellowing of teeth is a common phenomenon. Scaling and polishing help remove such stubborn stains thereby ensuring that your teeth are white and beautiful.
5. Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly are vital components of maintaining good oral hygiene. But it is difficult to remove plaque and tartar from those areas that are not easily accessible through brushing and flossing. This is where the need for scaling and polishing arises.
6. A type of preventive care: Scaling and polishing when performed once every six months, results in very good oral hygiene and health. This means that the teeth, gums and other areas of the mouth are less susceptible to dental issues. Hence scaling and polishing serve as preventive measures for dental problems.

                                             PROCEDURE OF SCALING AND POLISHING

The first step of the process is to identify the areas in the mouth where plaque and tartar have been accumulated. Instruments called scalers are used carefully to remove the plaque and tartar in your mouth. The type of scaler used can be manual or ultrasonic. Ultrasonic scalers tend to be more efficient since they make use of vibrations to remove tartar that is lodged below the gumline. Rinsing is done at the end of the scaling process to remove any residual deposits that may have remained in the mouth.

Polishing is done with the help of a special paste. The substances that can be used as a polishing paste are as follows:

1. Feldspar
2. Pumice
3. Calcium Carbonate
4. Perlite
5. Aluminium Silicate
6. Zirconium Silicate

Polishing should be performed with care so that the enamel is not damaged. Abrasion should be minimized so it is important to select the correct polishing agent. Restored teeth must be polished with substances that are softer than the material that was used for restoration. The paste that is used for polishing is called a prophylaxis paste. It has a grainy consistency and is applied on the teeth with the help of an electric toothbrush. Mild polishing pastes are used if there is gum recession.

Types of polishing:

1. Therapeutic Polishing
2. Coronal Polishing
3. Superficial Polishing
4. Selective Polishing

The type of prophylaxis paste used can be different depending on the extent of plaque that has been accumulated. Pastes with larger particles tend to be more abrasive and should be used carefully since they can damage tooth enamel. Stubborn stains are removed with the help of this paste.

Pastes with smaller particles make teeth smoother and more lustrous but the process involved takes a much longer time.

                                            Disadvantages of Scaling and Polishing

Danger of Enamel Damage: Excessive abrasion can lead to damage of tooth enamel

Allergic Reactions: Sometimes patients may have allergic reactions to the cleaning materials used.

Irritation of gums: Some patients may experience gum irritation which can range from redness to swelling to minor bleeding.

Discomfort during the process: Patients with sensitive teeth or gums can expect a certain degree of pain during the process of scaling and polishing.

 FAQs

How often is teeth cleaning required?

Teeth cleaning should be done once every 6 months.

Is the procedure painful?

Plaque and tartar are formed on the surface of the teeth. Scaling and polishing involve the removal of plaque and tartar. There is no question of drilling or excavating. Hence it is not a painful process at all. Sensitivity can be handled with the help of a mild surface anesthetic.

How many visits does the process take?

The number of visits depends on the extent of accumulation of plaque and tartar. Mild gingivitis can be addressed in one visit. Periodontitis may take a few more appointments.

What are the steps involved?

Manual or ultrasonic instruments are used to clean the tartar and plaque accumulated in your teeth. Ultrasonic instruments use vibrations to dislodge plaque from the teeth. Water is sprayed to remove the residual debris. Once scaling is complete, a prophylaxis paste is applied on the teeth and polishing is done with the help of brushes and rubber cups.

Should I continue to floss?

Although flossing does not completely remove the plaque and tartar in your teeth, it is a very important method to maintain a good level of oral hygiene.