SCALING AND POLISHING: All You Need To Know

Scaling and polishing are like the Siamese twins of dental care. The two medical terms are often used together because they represent processes that are similar. They both involve removing stains and plaque accumulated on the teeth; those which regular brushing and flossing cannot remove. Professionally, teeth cleaning or dental cleaning is called Prophylaxis (or Prophy)Prophylaxis is a word of Greek origin and means to prevent beforehand, which is taken in this context as preventing gum disease.

“Professionally, teeth cleaning or dental cleaning is called Prophylaxis (or Prophy).”

Scaling

Over time, certain substances form naturally on the teeth. These substances are called plaque. They can accumulate to the point where brushing and flossing are not sufficient to effectively be rid of them. Scaling is the nonsurgical process of scraping off these hardened pieces of plaque and tartar that are stuck to your teeth. It is done using sharp stainless steel instruments called hand scalers.

Plaque normally adhere to the surface of the teeth, and are easy to remove by brushing and flossing. However, if plaque is left for a long time on the teeth without brushing them away, they absorb certain mineral substances (calcium and phosphorus) in the saliva and transform into a hard substance known as calculus or tartar. If the calculus is left on the teeth and not brushed away properly, new plaque starts forming on it, and the process repeats itself. It build up to a point at which it is impossible to remove by ordinary brushing and flossing. Hence, the need for scaling.

“Scaling is the nonsurgical process of scraping off these hardened pieces of plaque and tartar that are stuck to your teeth.”

Polishing

Polishing goes hand in hand with scaling. It involves the use of prophylactic paste to remove remnant stains and smoothen the teeth. It’s usually done after the scaling process in order to make it hard for plaque and stains to attach to the tooth surface.

Why and when should I go for teeth scaling and polishing?

It is necessary to go for dental cleaning once in a while in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Food is first taken in the mouth before being passed to other parts of the body, so it is very easy for infections to spread from the mouth to other parts of the body. Which is why it is necessary to maintain good oral health and hygiene.

It is recommended that an individual goes for dental scaling and polishing at least once every six months. This may vary based on the oral condition of an individual. Also, when you notice your teeth getting darker or more yellowish, that is a distinct signal for you that it’s time to visit the dental clinic.

“…when you notice your teeth getting darker or more yellowish, that is a distinct signal for you that it’s time to visit the dental clinic.”

How Scaling and Polishing are done

Dental scaling and polishing are done with a variety of instruments in a progression. An ultrasonic instrument, then some Fine Hand tools and finally some Fluoride. These instruments are used by the dentist gently in order to avoid causing harm the teeth.

Many people may avoid dental cleanings because they think that scraping the teeth just isn’t good for them. However, in the hands of a skilled professionalthere is no need to worry about damaging your teeth. Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body and actually dulls the stainless steel instruments used to do cleanings. Additionally, if your hygienist uses ultrasonic scalers to remove the hard deposits, then there is even less risk of damage.

Benefits

Scaling and polishing prevents tooth decay, as well as early tooth loss. It helps to maintain good breath and restores your smile and confidence. Especially if you have had to deal with extrinsic stains on your teeth (e.g. from cigarettes).

Need to book a session? We are here for you.

Follow our blog for more updates. Got any questions? Our Doctors are more than glad to help provide the assistance you need with our telemedicine feature. Find out more here. We’re on the socials! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more.

 

 

 

EYE SURGERY AT OUR FACILITY!

EYE SURGERY AT OUR FACILITY!

Looking for a reliable and dependable Eye clinic in Abuja or any part of Nigeria for eye surgery? For Cataract, Blocked Tear Duct Correction, Glaucoma, Correction of Squint or Aesthetic and Cosmetic treatments? Well, look no further! At Resuscitate Hospital we offer...

CAVITIES

CAVITIES

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Also referred to as tooth decay or caries, cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping...

WHY YOU NEED TO TRIM YOUR WAIST LINE

WHY YOU NEED TO TRIM YOUR WAIST LINE

What’s the hardest fat to lose in your body? Belly fat. Waist line struggles. Not only is belly fat the toughest fat to lose, but it is also one of the most dangerous places to accumulate fat in your body. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is a good metric to tell if your...

BOWEL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 2021: Symptoms to look out for

BOWEL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 2021: Symptoms to look out for

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month takes place annually in the month of April. The aim is to raise awareness on the condition, shining the light on all that's needed to prevent, manage or overcome it. Bowel Cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel....

SO ABOUT DEPRESSION

SO ABOUT DEPRESSION

Depression is described as a feeling of sadness or loss of interest lasting at least 2 weeks. According to WHO more than 264,000,000 people Globally suffer from Depression. As such, it's safe to say depression is quite common among a lot of people. This does not...

CATARACT SURGERY: What does it involve?

CATARACT SURGERY: What does it involve?

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens (the cataract), and replacing it with a clear, artificial one. The advantage of the artificial lens is that it rarely requires care, and it improves vision significantly. Most cataract operations are done using...

RESUSCITATE HOSPITAL REVIEWS

RESUSCITATE HOSPITAL REVIEWS

Resuscitate Hospital Reviews – We take delivering the best of health care services to our patients, as very serious business. And getting feedback about this is the most heart-warming thing. Today we are sharing some of these reviews. Distance is no barrier. Wherever...

COLOR BLINDNESS

COLOR BLINDNESS

Most of us see our world in color, and have been able to do so all our lives. There are however, some people who have difficulty seeing different colors, or get them mixed up. This is called color blindness. So while most of us can enjoy looking at a lush green lawn...

× Chat with us