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Scaling at the dentist is an essential act to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent oral diseases. What are the risks of tartar build-up on teeth? What are the benefits of scaling carried out by a professional? We answer all your questions.
How does tartar form on teeth?
When we eat, food debris and bacteria settle on the surface of our teeth, forming a sticky substance called plaque. Over time, plaque mineralizes and turns into tartar, a hard, yellowish substance.
Tartar buildup can lead to a number of dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay . This is because tartar deposits can irritate the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. Later, bacteria in plaque and tartar can infect the gums, leading to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
What does scaling at the dentist involve?
Scaling at the dentist involves removing tartar from the teeth and under the gumline using special tools, such as curettes and ultrasonic instruments. This process is usually done during a routine visit to the dentist, and it may be combined with a complete oral exam to detect potential dental problems. In addition to removing tartar, scaling also helps prevent future plaque buildup.
Wondering how often to have your teeth scaled? Tartar formation varies from person to person, depending on their eating habits, smoking habits , oral hygiene, and saliva production. Saliva plays a major role in naturally cleaning your mouth after each meal. On average, it is recommended to have your teeth scaled once a year.
How does a descaling session take place?
The consultation for teeth scaling in Lausanne or Fribourg involves different stages:
The thorough visual examination
Your dentist or dental hygienist will first perform a thorough inspection of your oral cavity. He or she will use a small mirror to check the condition of your teeth and gums, and then check the depth of the gum pockets using a periodontal curette.
Supragingival scaling
These emit vibrations that remove tartar from the gum line. It is then aspirated by a probe. This is painless in most cases. A small tube continuously projects water into your mouth to facilitate the elimination of particles. The more tartar there is in your mouth, the longer this operation takes.
Interdental cleaning
Nothing beats a professional interdental cleaning to get rid of tartar that builds up between your teeth. With his expert instruments, he manages to dislodge the residue hidden in the smallest corners of your teeth.
Polishing
At the end of the session, the dentist or dental hygienist begins smoothing the surface of your teeth. This act, called polishing, removes any colored stains using a polisher and a polishing paste. This professional treatment gives your teeth a boost of shine.
Rinsing
This will remove all residue.
When should you perform a deep descaling?
These symptoms often indicate a buildup of bacterial plaque under the gum line and may require a deep scaling, called root planing, to clean and smooth the surface of the tooth roots.
Dentists especially recommend scaling to people who show signs of periodontal disease, such as bleeding or inflamed gums, loose teeth or persistent bad breath.
What are the benefits of scaling at the dentist?
Dental scaling plays an essential role in maintaining good dental hygiene and preventing oral diseases. It helps remove tartar, reduce the build-up of bacterial plaque and prevent problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. It is therefore important to visit your dentist regularly and follow their oral hygiene recommendations to maintain the health of our teeth and gums.
In addition to improving oral health, scaling can also have a positive impact on overall health. Studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
How to prevent tartar buildup on teeth?
Once your teeth are free of tartar, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene at home by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a toothbrush and appropriate toothpaste. Regular flossing and mouthwash can also help remove food debris and bacteria between your teeth and along the gum line.
We recommend that you have an annual check-up to take stock of the health of your teeth. Be aware that tartar build-up can lead to bad breath and many problems. The three HELVIDENT dental clinics are home to all the professionals in oral health.