Scaling is one of the simplest and most beneficial procedures in dentistry. Yet because of mistaken beliefs, many people put it off for years.
What is tartar and why does it form?
Every day a soft layer of bacteria called plaque builds up on the teeth. Plaque that is not removed with a brush and floss combines with minerals in saliva, hardens within a few days and becomes tartar (calculus). Tartar collects most where the salivary glands open into the mouth: on the inside of the lower front teeth and the cheek side of the upper molars.
Once tartar has formed it cannot be brushed off. Its rough surface makes it easier for new plaque to attach, and by constantly irritating the gum it sets the stage for gum disease.
How is scaling done?
- Removing the tartarThe vibrating tip of an ultrasonic device and a water spray lift the tartar from the surface. Fine cleaning is done with hand instruments if needed.
- PolishingThe tooth surfaces are polished with a special paste and a rubber cup. Plaque has a harder time attaching to a smooth surface.
- Stain removalHeavy tea, coffee and smoking stains can be removed with a pressurised powder spray (air-flow).
- Care adviceYou are shown where plaque builds up most and how to brush and clean between your teeth.
The procedure usually takes 20 to 40 minutes and mostly needs no anaesthetic. For people with very sensitive gums a numbing gel or local anaesthetic can be used.
Common beliefs and the facts
"Cleaning scrapes the enamel"
Not true. The ultrasonic device does not cut; it separates tartar from the surface by vibration. Enamel is much harder than tartar and is not harmed by cleaning done properly.
"My teeth had gaps after cleaning"
When tartar fills the spaces between teeth it hides the gaps. Once it is removed, gaps that were already there because of gum recession and bone loss become visible. It is not the cleaning that made the gap but the tartar that sat there for a long time.
"My teeth became loose after cleaning"
In advanced gum disease, tartar sometimes binds together teeth that have lost their bone support, like a bridge. When the tartar is removed the true state of the tooth shows. This is the result of delay, not of treatment.
"Once you have it done you always have to"
Tartar forms because plaque is not cleaned well enough, not because you had a cleaning. It keeps forming whether you have it removed or not; the difference is that if you do not, it builds up and damages the gums.
Is sensitivity after cleaning normal?
Yes. Because surfaces that were covered by tartar are exposed, there may be sensitivity to cold and heat for a few days. It passes as the gums heal. Using a desensitising toothpaste and avoiding very cold and hot foods helps in the meantime.
How often should it be done?
How fast tartar forms varies from person to person; the make-up of saliva, diet, smoking and brushing habits all play a part. For most people a check-up every six months, with cleaning if needed, is enough. For people with a history of gum disease, smokers and those wearing braces, every three or four months may be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Is scaling painful?
For most people it is uncomfortable but not painful. If the gums are very inflamed or root surfaces are exposed there may be sensitivity; in that case the area is numbed first.
Can tartar be removed at home?
No. Hardened tartar cannot be safely removed with a brush, baking soda or scrapers sold online. Such attempts scratch the enamel and injure the gum. What you can do at home is slow its formation by cleaning plaque away every day.
My gums bled after cleaning. Is something wrong?
Inflamed gums can bleed during cleaning and for a day or two afterwards. With regular brushing the gums tighten within a few days and the bleeding stops.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you have a complaint, please see your dentist.