Is Scaling And Polishing Good For Teeth?

Taking care of your teeth goes beyond just brushing and flossing daily. Achieving optimal oral health requires regular scaling and polishing procedures as part of your preventive care routine. But what exactly is scaling and polishing, and is this dental procedure really necessary? Let's dive in and find out!

What is scaling and polishing?

Scaling and polishing are professional dental cleaning procedures performed by a dental professional or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and stains from the teeth. Here’s a breakdown of each step:

1) Dental scaling

This process involves using special tools to remove dental plaque and tartar buildup, especially from areas that are hard to reach with a regular brushing. If tartar is not removed, it can lead to gum disease. These instruments, commonly known as ultrasonic scalers, use high-frequency vibrations to effectively remove tartar buildup from the teeth without causing any damage to the enamel.

2) Polishing

After dental scaling, polishing process helps smooth the surface of your teeth, removing surface stains and giving them a clean, bright appearance. Air polishing otherwise known as airflow cleaning is a different method for removing surface stains. It uses a fine spray of water and powder to gently clean the tooth surface, effectively lifting stains without damaging the enamel.

These treatments help remove stubborn plaque and food particles that allow plaque to adhere to your teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease.

Is scaling and polishing necessary?

Yes! Even if you brush and floss regularly, some areas of your teeth can still accumulate plaque and tartar over time. In areas where toothbrushes have limited access, particularly between the teeth where buildup is more pronounced, scaling and polishing provide significant benefits, including:

1) Prevents gum disease:

The accumulation of tartar can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and bleeding, which may eventually progress to gum disease. In the early stages, the gums often appear red and swollen around the affected teeth. Regular professional cleaning helps reduce tartar buildup around the gums, leading to healthier smile.

2) Keeps your breath fresh:

Plaque and tartar trap bacteria in your mouth, which can cause bad breath. Even if you brush and floss daily, some areas, like between your teeth and near your gums, are harder to clean. Over time, bacteria break down leftover food and release a bad smell. Scaling and polishing remove this buildup, helping your mouth stay clean and your breath smell fresher.

3) Removes stains:

If you enjoy drinks like coffee, tea, or soft drinks, your teeth may slowly develop stains called extrinsic stains, making them look dull or discoloured. Over time, these stains can become more noticeable, especially on the surface of your teeth. Polishing during a dental cleaning helps gently remove these stains, leaving your teeth looking cleaner, smoother, and brighter. While it won’t change the natural color of your teeth like teeth whitening does, it helps maintain a fresh and healthy-looking smile.

4) Reduces the risk of tooth decay:

Dental plaque harbors bacteria that can gradually weaken and erode tooth enamel, leading to the early stages of tooth decay. By removing plaque through regular scaling and polishing, you significantly reduce the risk of cavities and maintain stronger, healthier teeth.

5) Maintains overall oral health:

Regular scaling and polishing can prevent bigger dental problems in the future, saving you from pain and expensive treatments.

Is scaling and polishing painful? 

Most people feel little to no pain during scaling and polishing, though mild sensitivity may occur, especially with more tartar buildup , sensitive gums or exposed roots. If discomfort arises, dentists can apply numbing gel, use gentler pressure, or take short breaks. Tooth sensitivity usually fades quickly. Using sensitivity toothpaste, avoiding hot or acidic foods, and brushing with a soft-bristled brush can help. Regular cleanings prevent buildup, making future visits more comfortable.

How often should you get scaling and polishing done?

For most people, it is recommended to get scaling and polishing done regularly every six months as part of routine dental care. Nonetheless, if you are currently wearing braces, have a habit of smoking, or have a higher tendency to develop gum disease, our dentist may recommend that you schedule cleanings more often than the usual six-month interval.

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What are the myths about scaling and polishing?

Myth 1: “Scaling makes teeth weaker.”

Many people believe that scaling weakens teeth, but this is not true. In reality, scaling helps protect your teeth by removing harmful plaque and tartar buildup.

Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids, which slowly wear away the enamel through a process called demineralization. Over time, this weakens the teeth and makes them more prone to cavities and decay. Scaling removes this buildup before it can cause serious damage, keeping your teeth strong and healthy.

Instead of making teeth weaker, scaling actually helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, ensuring your smile stays clean and protected.

Myth 2: "Does scaling and polishing cause gum recession?"

A common misconception is that scaling and polishing can cause gum recession, but this is not true! When tartar builds up along the gum line, it creates a thick layer that can make your gums appear higher than they actually are.

After scaling removes this tartar, some people may feel like there are new gaps between their teeth or that their gums have "shrunk." However, these gaps were already there, just hidden by the buildup. The gums have not receded due to the cleaning rather, the scaling process reveals the actual shape of your gums and teeth. Leaving tartar on your teeth for too long can increase the risk of gum recession.

Myth 3: “It’s only needed when teeth feel dirty.”

Many people think they only need a dental cleaning when their teeth feel rough or dirty or when gums start bleeding, but this is not true! Scaling and polishing are not just about making your teeth feel clean they are an important part of preventing complex dental problems before they even start.

Plaque and tartar build up over time, even if your teeth feel fine. This buildup contains bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. In advanced gum disease, a deep cleaning may be needed to remove hidden tartar under the gums. Since this can cause slight discomfort, our dentist will numb the area to ensure a painless and effective treatment. By getting regular cleanings every six months, your dentist can remove hidden plaque and tartar before they lead to bigger issues. Prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than additional treatment. 

Myth 4: "Scaling my teeth causes my gums to bleed."

Scaling and polishing don’t cause bleeding gums. If your gums bleed during the cleaning, it’s because they are already inflamed from plaque and tartar buildup.

When too much plaque and tartar collect around your gums, they become swollen and sensitive. As the buildup is removed, your gums may bleed a little, but this is only temporary. Regular cleanings actually help prevent gum bleeding by keeping your gums healthy and free from infection.

Conclusion

Scaling and polishing are simple yet effective ways to maintain good oral health. By keeping your teeth clean and free from harmful buildup, you reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. So, the next time your dentist suggests a cleaning, say yes it’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your smile bright and healthy!

References

1. Beirne PV, Worthington HV, Clarkson JE. Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004625. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004625.pub3