Professional cleaning of teeth helps reduce gum disease by removing germs that may cause bad breath and even bleeding and swollen gums. Removing debris and tartar from the teeth and gums reduce irritation of the gums which may, if left untreated, cause teeth to become loose with time. Professional cleaning helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Scaling and polishing of your teeth play an important role in prevention of oral disease. Professional cleaning of your teeth helps to reduce gum disease by removing the plaque and calculus deposits from your teeth and gums. This procedure reduce irritation of your gums which, if left untreated, can cause periodontal disease. Periodontal disease may result in alveolar bone loss. This pathologic process may cause tooth loosening and loss of teeth.

Signs of gum disease:

• Constant bad breath
• Gums that bleed easily
• Swollen, red gums
• Loose permanent teeth

What is done during a professional cleaning:

During the scale and polish the plaque and calculus deposits that have build up on your teeth are removed.
Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that builds up on your teeth. It is mainly made up of plaque bacteria. When plaque is not properly brushed off, it mineralize to form calculus.

Does a scale and polish whiten your teeth?

Unfortunately not. It only removes the surface stains but it should make your teeth look cleaner and brighter.

How often should you have your teeth cleaned:

For optimal dental hygiene it is advised to have cleanings done at 3-6 month intervals.

Does a scale and polish hurt?

No, the procedure should not hurt, but it may feel strange as an ultrasonic scaler is used for scaling. A polishing handpiece with polishing cups are used during polishing, together with a polishing paste. This is a very gentle procedure.