Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy and attractive smile. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can still build up on your teeth, leading to potential dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Teeth scaling and polishing are two common dental procedures that play a crucial role in removing plaque and tartar, helping to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and fresh. These treatments are widely offered in many dental clinics, including some of the best dental clinics in Qatar, and are essential for maintaining overall oral health.
In this article, we’ll explore the dental scaling procedure, the benefits of scaling and polishing, and what you can expect during and after the treatment.
What Is Teeth Scaling and Polishing?
Teeth scaling and polishing refer to professional dental treatments aimed at cleaning the teeth by removing plaque, tartar (also called calculus), and surface stains. While brushing and flossing can remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth, they may not effectively clean hard-to-reach areas like between the teeth and under the gumline. This is where teeth scaling and polishing come in.
- Teeth scaling: This procedure involves the removal of hardened tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline, which is crucial in preventing gum disease and other oral health issues.
- Teeth polishing: After scaling, the teeth are polished using a special paste that helps remove surface stains and smooth the enamel, giving your teeth a fresh and shiny appearance.
Together, these procedures not only improve the appearance of your teeth but also contribute to better oral health.
How Is Teeth Scaling Done?
The dental scaling procedure typically involves using specialized dental tools to carefully remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. There are two main methods used for scaling:
- Manual Scaling: A dentist or dental hygienist uses handheld instruments called scalers and curettes to manually scrape away plaque and tartar from the teeth, especially around the gumline.
- Ultrasonic Scaling: This method uses an ultrasonic scaler, a tool that vibrates at a high frequency to break apart hardened deposits of tartar. It also sprays a mist of water to wash away debris as the scaling process continues. Ultrasonic scaling is often more efficient for large amounts of tartar and can be more comfortable for the patient.
Once the teeth scaling is complete, the dentist moves on to the polishing phase.
Teeth Polishing Process
The teeth polishing process follows scaling and is designed to smooth the surface of the teeth, making it harder for plaque to adhere. The dentist or hygienist uses a rubber cup attached to a slow-speed handpiece along with a polishing paste, usually containing fluoride. This paste has a slightly gritty texture, which helps in removing any remaining stains and polishing the enamel to a shiny finish.
Teeth polishing also leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean and gives your teeth a smooth surface that helps them stay cleaner for longer.
Is Scaling and Polishing Necessary?
regular teeth scaling and polishing are essential for maintaining good oral health. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can still accumulate and harden into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. If left untreated, this tartar buildup can lead to serious dental issues, including:
- Gum disease: Tartar buildup can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease), which can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and even affect your overall health.
- Cavities: Plaque produces acids that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Removing plaque through scaling reduces this risk.
- Bad breath: Tartar and plaque buildup can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. Regular scaling and polishing help eliminate these bacteria, leaving your breath fresh.
Overall, teeth scaling and polishing help keep your gums healthy, prevent cavities, and maintain a clean, bright smile.
Benefits of Teeth Scaling and Polishing
There are numerous benefits of teeth scaling and polishing, both for your oral health and your appearance:
- Prevents gum disease: By removing tartar from below the gumline, scaling helps prevent gum inflammation and infection.
- Improves oral hygiene: Scaling and polishing remove plaque and tartar that are impossible to reach with regular brushing and flossing, helping to maintain clean and healthy teeth.
- Reduces bad breath: Tartar and plaque harbor bacteria that contribute to bad breath, so removing them leads to fresher breath.
- Brightens teeth: Polishing helps remove surface stains from the teeth, making them look brighter and more polished.
- Promotes overall health: Oral health is closely linked to general health. By maintaining healthy gums and teeth through regular cleanings, you reduce the risk of systemic issues such as heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to poor oral health.
Teeth Scaling Aftercare
After your teeth scaling and polishing procedure, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene to maintain the results and prevent further plaque and tartar buildup. Some teeth scaling aftercare tips include:
- Brush and floss regularly: Continue brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to keep your teeth clean and prevent plaque buildup.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent plaque from forming.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods: These foods can contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Try to limit their consumption to protect your teeth.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth cleaner between brushing sessions.
- Schedule regular dental visits: Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and professional cleanings to maintain optimal oral health.
Scaling and Polishing Cost
Scaling and polishing cost can vary depending on the dental clinic, the complexity of the procedure, and the patient’s oral health condition. In Qatar, professional scaling and polishing treatments are available at competitive prices, making it accessible to maintain a clean and healthy smile. On average, the cost for teeth scaling can range from 300 QAR to 800 QAR, depending on whether a standard or deep cleaning is required.
For those looking for the best dental care, some of the best dental clinics in Qatar like Al Sanabel Dental Center offer affordable and effective scaling and polishing services that cater to the needs of the entire family.
Teeth Scaling and Polishing FAQs
1. What is teeth scaling and polishing?
Teeth scaling and polishing are dental procedures designed to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. Scaling removes tartar and plaque from above and below the gumline, while polishing smooths and shines the tooth surface for a cleaner appearance.
2. How is teeth scaling done?
Teeth scaling is done using manual or ultrasonic instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline. It is followed by teeth polishing, which smooths the teeth and removes any remaining stains.
3. Is scaling and polishing necessary?
Yes, regular scaling and polishing are necessary to prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. These procedures help maintain clean and healthy teeth that cannot be achieved with regular brushing alone.
4. What are the benefits of scaling and polishing?
The benefits of teeth scaling and polishing include preventing gum disease, reducing plaque buildup, improving breath freshness, and enhancing the appearance of your teeth by removing surface stains.
5. How much does teeth scaling cost?
The scaling and polishing cost in Qatar typically ranges from 300 QAR to 800 QAR, depending on the extent of cleaning required and the clinic you visit.
Regular teeth scaling and polishing are essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive smile. These professional dental procedures by professionals like Dr. Hazem Bashir help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath while keeping your teeth looking their best. By visiting a reputable dental clinic in Qatar, you can ensure that your teeth receive the best care and stay clean and fresh for years to come.
