SCALING : MYTHS AND REALITIES
Scaling in layman terms is called cleaning of teeth is a procedure of oral hygiene prophylaxis to remove the plaque and tarter which gets deposited around the teeth and gums over time and eventually causes inflammation of gums and leads to early stage of gingivitis.
O
PLAQUE is a biofilm of millions of bacteria which is sticky, colourless and soft in consistency.
This layer can easily be removed with brushing. While on the other hand DENTAL CALCULUS is yellowish brown hardened mass of plaque which gets mineralised over time and can only be removed by ULTRASONIC SCALERS by the process called SCALING.
Improper brushing and poor oral hygiene lead to heavy deposits of plaque and calculus.
Calculus is a harbour of numerous bacteria and other microorganisms which if not removed regularly lead to various complications like bleeding from gums, pockets, infection in bone and mobility of teeth over time.
Scaling is performed by dentist every 6 months to 1 year to prevent the gums and teeth from potential complications.
MYTHS ABOUT SCALING
1. MOBILITY OF TEETH
Scaling doesnot cause mobility of teeth. It is the chronic deposition of plaque and calculus around teeth and gums which leads to progression of gum disease, bleeding of gums and weakening of bone.
Infection in bones causes loss of support and teeth become mobile.
Scaling on the contrary stops the mobility of teeth!
2.CAUSES GAPS BETWEEN THE TEETH
Again the deposits around teeth cause recession of gums (gums change their position) and create spaces between them. After scaling is completed tarter gets removed and it gives a feeling of gaps in between teeth.
3. SCALING IS PAINFUL
It is actually a painless procedure. Sensation of slight scraping of hardened mass of deposits is felt during the procedure.
4. IT CAUSES SENSITIVITY
After the scaling is completed our teeth and roots gets exposed to the environment which may cause transient sensitivity in some patients but it usually vanishes within a day or two.
5. ENAMEL IS REMOVED
Enamel is the outermost and hardest layer of tooth. It doesnot easily gets removed by scaling.
Scaling removes only the calculus deposits around teeth.
After scaling is completed polishing is done to create smooth surfaces on tooth.
REALITIES OF SCALING
1. One should visit the dentist every six months to get the scaling done.
2.Dentist on oral health examination would advise you how to maintain oral hygiene, brushing techniques and at what interval scaling is required.
3. Scaling prevents from gum disease and periodontal pocket formation.
FOR MORE QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT
DR SUNANDA GOGIA
HAPPY TOOTH DENTAL CLINIC
23 FIRST FLOOR SETHI ARCADE SEC 76
NOIDA
PH.NO. 8527623340
