You are probably already familiar with having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist or hygienist if you go for your regular six month check up. First the teeth are scaled using special hand instruments before they are carefully polished. A scale and clean is one of the best and most straightforward ways to look after your teeth and gums and should be a routine part of any preventative dental care routine.
Why is scaling and cleaning necessary?
Every day bacteria begin to build up in your mouth, sticking to your teeth and gums and forming what is called a plaque biofilm. Teeth are not always perfectly shaped. So sometimes, when you are cleaning them, you do not always manage to reach into every nook and cranny,especially at the back, where food always seems to get stuck in a gap between your teeth.
This weak spot is exactly the sort of spot where the bacteria that attack your teeth can gather.Throughout the day, plaque builds up all over your teeth. Plaque is the sticky film, full of bacteria, that turns into acid when it reacts with the sugary foods you eat. If it is allowed to build up, the bacteria in it can cause gum disease, making your gum bleed, become sore and infected. The purpose of the cleaning
and polishing is to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and you have a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular home care.
Scaling and Cleaning Procedure
- Your Holistic Dental practitioner will use an electric scaler to remove the toughest calculus. An electric, also called an ultrasonic scaler has a very fine tip that vibrates at high speeds. It also emits a jet of water. Together, the electric scaler and jet of water scrape away the calculus and clean away the debris lodged between the teeth.
- Next, your dentist will also have a set of hand instruments which can be used to reach the more awkward spots around the teeth. The hand scalers are all different shapes and sizes, so they allow the dentist to clean the plaque from between your teeth in fine detail.
- The final aspect of the treatment is the polish. The dentist will use a rotating brush and a fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth a thorough clean. The toothpaste is for protecting your teeth from future decay. They will not only look clean, but your teeth and mouth will also feel much cleaner too. The whole treatment usually takes about 30 minutes.
Does it hurt to have your teeth cleaned?
Cleanings are painless and patients can sometimes feel tickling vibrations, the cooling mist of water, and the feeling of pressure during “scraping”, none of which cause any discomfort. The lovely clean and smooth feel of their teeth afterwards is worth having your teeth cleaned.
How often should I get it done?
It is recommended to get your teeth scaled and cleaned professionally every 6 months. So make sure you book your Scale and Clean with Holistic Dental every six months and get that super clean feeling.
