Good oral hygiene is essential for excellent health in general. Brushing and flossing every day is essential, but sometimes it’s not enough to keep our smiles bright and healthy. This is where professional polishing and scaling come in. At LQ Dental, we frequently receive inquiries about the frequency and necessity of these treatments.
We promise to put the needs of our patients first and treat the whole person, not just the tooth. You can make informed decisions about your dental health by understanding when and why scaling and polishing are necessary.
What do scaling and polishing mean?
Scaling is a professional cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line. We use special tools to carefully scrape away these deposits that regular brushing can’t get rid of.
Polishing comes after scaling and involves using a special paste and a rotating brush to make the surfaces of the teeth smooth. This not only makes your teeth look and feel cleaner, but it also makes it harder for plaque to stick to rough spots.
When You Might Need Scaling and Polishing Sooner Rather Than Later
While a routine check-up will often reveal the need for a professional cleaning, here are some signs you can look out for that indicate plaque and tartar buildup:
1. Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away (Halitosis)
If you have bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing your teeth carefully, it could be a sign that plaque and tartar are building up bacteria. These bacteria let out gases that smell foul.
2. Gums that bleed
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it’s often an early sign of gingivitis, which is inflammation caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. There shouldn’t be any bleeding from healthy gums.
3. Gums that are red, swollen, or sore
Inflamed gums, often appearing redder than usual and feeling tender to the touch, are another classic indicator of gingivitis.
4. Tartar that you can see
Tartar, which is also called calculus, looks like a rough, yellowish or brownish deposit that forms near the gum line or between teeth. Brushing alone won’t get rid of plaque once it hardens into tartar.
5. Teeth that are dull or stained
Teeth that look dull or have noticeable stains from coffee, tea, or other foods aren’t necessarily a sign of plaque, but polishing them can help a lot by getting rid of surface stains and making your smile look brighter.
How Often Should You Get Treatment?
For most individuals with excellent oral hygiene and no specific gum disease concerns, we generally recommend a scaling and polishing session every six months. This routine helps to:
- Stop plaque and tartar from building up before they cause big problems.
- Let us keep an eye on your oral health and catch any problems early.
But if you have a history of gum disease, tend to get a lot of plaque buildup, or have certain medical conditions, we may suggest that you come in more often (every three or four months, for example) to keep your gums healthy.
The Risks of Delaying Scaling and Polishing
Not getting professional cleaning done on time can cause a lot of oral health problems:
- Gingivitis is the least serious type of gum disease. It causes gums to become red and bleed. It can get worse if you don’t treat it.
- Periodontitis is a more serious type of gum disease in which the infection spreads below the gum line, harming the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place. It can make teeth loose and, in the end, make them fall out.
- Cavities: Plaque and tartar make the mouth acidic, which wears down tooth enamel and makes you more likely to get cavities.
- Systemic Health Issues: More and more research shows that having inadequate oral health, especially gum disease, can lead to systemic problems like heart disease, diabetes, and breathing problems.
Get Great Care at LQ Dental
LQ Dental is proud to be patient-centered and have a full range of current and modern digital technology. At the Novena Medical Center, our team of experienced dental professionals, which includes general dental practitioners, oral surgeons, and an orthodontist, is dedicated to giving you quality care in a friendly, comfortable setting.
We focus on full-service dental care, making sure that your scaling and polishing are done carefully and accurately. This cleans your teeth and gives us important information about your overall oral health. We take a whole-person approach to your health, from preventive care to more advanced treatments.
Keep Your Smile Bright! Don’t let plaque and tartar hurt your teeth and gums. Our dedicated team is here to give you personalized dental care in Singapore using the latest technology and treatment plans that are made just for you. Book an appointment at LQ Dental, your partner in a lifetime of healthy smiles.