SCALING OR CLEANING DAMAGES TEETH ENAMEL: MYTH OR FACT
As professionals, we often encounter our patients asking this question about the fear of scaling and the doubt of whether it damages or wear down enamel. This is common myth among people. Scaling is a medical term used for cleaning of teeth, during which the dentist removes the deposits from the surface of teeth and underlying gums.
Deposits in teeth are primarily plaque and tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque is a colourless, sticky film of food debris and bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If it is not removed effectively through proper brushing and flossing, the plaque can harden to form tartar, which is calcified deposit which requires professional cleaning.
What is scaling or cleaning?
Scaling is a professional dental cleaning, in which a dentist mechanically removes plaque and tartar using Ultrasonic Dental Scaler. It removes deposits on the tooth surface primarily by the physical action of its oscillating tip. It also involves two other mechanisms, firstly by high-energy shock waves and the second is by acoustic micro streaming.
Scaling is followed by polishing, to prevent the plaque from attaching to the teeth surface easily.
Let’s Burst the Myths About Scaling
- Scaling is painful and cause severe sensitivity
Scaling does cause some teeth sensitivity as the enamel which was covered with plaque and tartar are now getting exposed to air and water. It is temporary and not severe and painful.
- Scaling damages the enamel
Scaling does not weaken the enamel, which acts as the protective covering of the teeth. Scaling removes the plaque and tartar only thereby safeguarding the health of teeth.
- Scaling is only done when you start experiencing problems with oral health
Inflamed, swollen and bleeding gums are among the visible problems when the oral health is compromised. But there are many other problems such as bone loss and deep pockets that might not be visible but would be more serious than visible issues. This is the reason why regular cleaning is necessary to detect early symptoms of oral diseases.
Patient can experience mild sensitivity and discomfort after scaling which can be managed by following some aftercare tips given by the dentist after the procedure.
Aftercare Tips After Dental Scaling
- Avoid hot or cold foods immediately after the procedure
- Regular flossing and brush gently
- Rinse with warm saline water to soothe any gum irritation
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if sensitivity persists, for a short duration
- Strictly avoid tobacco in any form
Advantages Of Dental Scaling
- Eliminates halitosis or bad breath
Plaque and calculus build-up along with bacterial flora are the main culprits for bad breath. Through scaling, stubborn plaque and calculus along the gum pockets are removed thereby improving the breath.
- Saves teeth and improves gum health
Along with removing bad breath, the dental scaling prevents tooth loss as poor gum health is one of the main reasons for tooth loss. Hence, scaling doesn’t weaken teeth but on contrary saves it from loosening.
- Lowers the risk of heart disease
According to many studies, patients with gum disease are at higher risks for worsening the heart health and has higher chances of getting heart attacks
- Keeps the diabetes at check
Diabetes and gum disease have a two way relationship. Peatients with diabetes are more prone to periodontitis due to altered immune system and blood vessel changes that affect the healing and increase susceptibility to infection. On the other hand, gum disease worsens sugar control in patients.
Conclusion
At Share A Smile dental clinic, your oral health is our top priority. Regular dental cleaning or scaling is the safest and easiest way to maintain your oral health and to keep the gum diseases at check. Scaling doesn’t damages enamel, on the contrary it protects the teeth by preserving the gum health.