TEETH CLEANING : MYTHS AND TRUTHS !

 Teeth Cleaning- (Scaling & Polishing)

          Teeth cleaning is a normal dental procedure, we all have heard about it, but never taken a chance to go for it.

   When we visit our dentist for our routine dental checkup we our often recommended to get our teeth cleaned at least once every six month for good oral hygiene. However many of us don't even go back to the dentist after that. We always have one or the other excuses to not get it done, and these excuses are based on Myths!

Lets just have a look to all those excuses that people come up with and examine if that are Myths or Truths.

First understand, what scaling is?

        Tooth scaling is a normal dental procedure with which plaque and tartar deposits that form on teeth are cleaned and scraped away using an ultrasonic scaler. The reason this tartar needs to be removed is because your body see this tartar as a foreign invader, and attacks it using the immune system to fight of the infection. This battle continues in your mouth at all times, which results in inflamed and bleeding gums. As this gum disease progresses so does the destruction to your gums and bone in your mouth.

So, by cleaning your teeth professionally by the scaler keeps your mouth healthy.

            "  MYTHS & their TRUTHS " - 

        Many of us must be having a lot of questions in our minds about scaling, all your questions will be answered here. Their are several myths about scaling that creates fear in patients, all these myths will be cleared with the actual facts.

Myth: Scaling wears off  teeth surface 

 TRUTH - The fact is scaling/ cleaning is done with an ultrasonic scaler which works on vibration along with a water spray, which has no potency of drilling or wearing off your teeth. It just works on the deposits and stains on the teeth by the motion of vibration.

Myth: Scaling makes your teeth loose

TRUTH - The food you eat gets deposited on and in between the teeth over and over, and after a long time it forms a hard semi-calcified layer between gums and teeth. As time goes this goes deeper between the gums, hence the gums get detached and recessed from teeth. So when these deposits are removed while scaling it gives you the feeling of loose teeth, but actually its the "bad support" of teeth that we are removing. In few days the gums get back to normal and your mouth is healthy again.

Myth: Scaling makes the teeth sensitive!

TRUTH - The tartar form a layer all over the teeth, and when the tartar is removed by scaling, the teeth get exposed to the oral environment and become moderately sensitive. But this sensitivity is temporary  and vanishes in couple of days as the gums get attached to teeth.

Myth: Scaling causes gaps between the teeth

TRUTH - When the gum disease is progressing at a moderate level, the usual gaps between the teeth get filled up with the tartar. When this tartar is removed by scaling, patient feel that the gaps have increased, infact these gaps were already there, now just they are cleaned they become prompt. With time these gaps goes off when gums take their position back.

Myth: Scaling is an operative and painful procedure

TRUTH - It is a popular belief that scaling is painful and is a major kind off operation to be performed, but virtually its a relatively painless minor procedure and can be performed without any anaesthesia. With just a feeling of mild scraping and vibrating sensations on teeth it can be completed easily. Some may experience a slight sensitivity during cleaning but again that's temporary and goes off as cleaning is completed.

After scaling polishing of teeth is a must. Polishing is done with a high powered brush and a rough polishing paste . This is the part where the grinding noise occurs and can cause some discomfort. In truth, this actually makes a zinging noise and more than the pain you might feel a slight tickling sensation. It gently scrubs your teeth, and it is extremely safe.

 What to take care after the teeth cleaning process? 

 After teeth cleaning your dentist will advice you several things follow those advice without a doubt. As there is no special care required, just continue with your daily teeth cleaning routine (brushing and flossing). You should also avoid more of acidic,very hot and very cold stuffs to eat for few days as it may cause sensitivity. Apart from this you can do your work no need to take any specific rest after scaling.

Who would need teeth cleaning?

Every individual can get this treatment at least once a year. Your dentist would advise upon having these treatments once every six months. Scaling is a necessary treatment, which many people ignore. You can have these teeth cleaning sessions at your convenience and not wait for something to go wrong in your teeth before undergoing them. These treatments are most advisable for children who are more prone to cavities.

What are the side effects of teeth cleaning?

There are no side effects when undergoing treatment. You might have slight jaw discomfort as your mouth will be in an open state for an extended period. If your teeth are sensitive, the cleaning may cause a minor zinging sensation in your teeth. But these are temporary situations, and they get eliminated on their own.

What are the benefits of teeth cleaning?

• Cleaned teeth can prevent gum disease and early loss of tooth
• Removal of stains from the teeth due to which there is discolouration of the teeth.
• Cleaning of teeth prevents cavities and tooth decay.
• Brightens up the smile, as many foods and drinks stain your teeth, cleaning removes stains and results in freshly polished teeth.
• There is a removal of bad breath that doesn't go with brushing or flossing thus cleaning keeps your mouth odour free.
• There is a markable change before and after cleaning, as teeth get totally transformed as tartar and plaque are fully removed.

Are the results of the treatment permanent?

Teeth cleaning are not a permanent fixture. It depends on what you eat and how well you maintain the hygiene of your mouth in between. It is safe to have these treatments once every six months especially if you are a smoker or if you are someone who is addicted to caffeine. The treatment is mandatory for children too to keep their cavities under check.

Hence,one should surely get scaling and polishing of teeth done twice a year,as there are no side effects. A six month visit to your dentist can help you to have all your teeth till you live! 

        Have a healthy smile! 😁

THANK YOU

REGARDS: Dr. MITALI PATEL