SCALING Is a procedure used to remove plaque and tartar(calculus) which sticks to your teeth and cannot be removed with brushing.

HOW IS PLAQUE AND TARTAR FORMED

The food we eat gets lodged in between teeth , on the surface of teeth and gum line.this forms a layer of plaque. If plaque is not efficiently removed from the mouth it hardens to form calculus or tartar.

This plaque and tartar keeps forming on the tooth and leads to a condition called gingivitis.

• Gingivitis is a gum infection in which the gums become inflammed ,red and edematous .
• Bleeding from gums while brushing or eating something hard is a very common sign of gingivitis.
• It may be associated with bad breath.

If gingivitis is not treated at the right time , the infection of the gums proceeds to the underlying bone and supporting structures of tooth leading to a condition called  periodontists.

(detailed explanation about plaque ,tartar and periodontists  is given in the topic  ‘PLAQUE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES’.

HOW IS SCALING DONE

Scaling can be done in two ways :

• Hand scaling
• Ultrasonic scaling

Hand scaling : done  by using hand scalers which are fine hand instruments available in various shapes . Because  they available in various shapes it enables your dentist to clean different areas of your tooth.

Ultrasonic scaling:

 now a days almost all dentists use ultrasonic scales .These scales vibrate and there is a steady spray of water along with it. These vibrations help in loosening the hard chunk of tartar and water spray helps in cleaning the debris.

HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD SCALING BE DONE :

 Scaling should ideally be done every 6 months. Even if you don’t have gingivitis getting a 6 monthly check up and scaling should be done.

       USES OF SCALING:

Since it removes plaque and tartar it helps in preventing gum and periodontal diseases.

• It also prevents decay of tooth which is caused by food lodgement in between teeth.
• It helps in removing stains that form a film on the tooth and make your teeth look yellow or brown. (stains could be because of tobacco ,cigarette smoking , pan  , excess of tea , coffee etc.)
• In individuals who complain of gum bleeding scaling is the simplest solution .
• If a person is already having gingivitis and periodontitis , scaling prevents these problems from getting worse.

USES OF POLISHING:

• Scaling  is usually followed by polishing of teeth.

• It is done using a rubber cup and a polishing paste .
• Polishing makes the surface of the teeth smooth and shiny.
• It also gives you a feel good effect.

Myth about scaling

Myth 1 : cleaning(scaling) will make my teeth weak .

Truth :    scaler tips of ultrasonic scaler only vibrates . It will NOT CAUSE ANY HARM to your teeth or gums. They are absolutely safe . on the contrary not doing cleaning on a regular basis will surely make your teeth and gums weak.

Myth 2 :  after doing cleaning gaps have developed in between teeth.

Truth :      when plaque is present on teeth and gum line ,gums become inflamed and over a period of time there is slight attachment loss and gap between gums and teeth . But you don’t feel the gap since it is covered with food and tartar . after scalin when the tartar is removed you area ble to feel the gaps.