There are several misconceptions about teeth scaling, making people hesitant to undergo the procedure necessary for good oral health.
Scaling – An Overlooked Procedure
Scaling is a procedure that involves the removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth and sub-gingival tissue. It is one of the most basic procedures for maintaining good oral hygiene. However, the procedure often gets overlooked, and people fail to realise the importance of getting it done. Furthermore, there are a lot of myths attached to the procedure, which makes it even more detrimental for the patients.
So, if you are someone who has dreaded the idea of it, look no further because today, we will, be busting all the myths and getting our facts straight regarding the dental procedure.
Myth – Scaling Can Damage My Teeth
Fact - One of the most common myths attached to the procedure is that it will damage the teeth. However, the truth is far from it. Scaling allows the removal of debris and plaque from the tooth’s surface with the help of ultrasonic vibrations. While they feel uncomfortable, the procedure does not damage the tooth in any way. Furthermore, the shine and smoothness of the teeth are later restored with the help of a polishing agent.
Myth – Scaling Can Loosen My Teeth
Fact - Scaling is a procedure mostly advised to patients suffering from gingivitis and periodontitis. The accumulation of calculus in patients which gingivitis and periodontitis result in the recession of the gum line. In most cases, the gum and bone inside recede, and the only thing keeping the tooth in place is the heavy deposit of calculus.
With the removal of plaque deposits, the teeth become loose because the bone holding the tooth is no longer there. Hence, when the patient receives the treatment removing plaque deposits result in the loosening of teeth.
Myth – Scaling Creates Gaps in the Teeth
Fact - The deposition of calculus in the interdental spaces and at the junction of the teeth over time leads to the formation of gaps. These gaps further increase with increased plaque deposition, breaking down the gingiva and bone holding the tooth in place. Scaling can remove the calculus and clear up the gaps caused by calculus.
Myth – Scaling Can Whiten My Teeth
Fact - The procedure helps remove deposits and can help clear out extrinsic stains. These stains can result from smoking and tea. However, these stains are only superficial and can be removed with scaling. However, scaling cannot change the colour of your teeth or make them look brighter. Naturally pale or yellow teeth won’t benefit from the procedure as it doesn’t change the colour of your teeth.
Myth – Scaling Can Cause Sensitivity
Fact - With the onset of gum disease, the gaps between the teeth are filled with calculus. When it is removed by scaling, the teeth get exposed to the oral environment and become moderately sensitive. In most cases, the sensitivity vanishes in a couple of days.
Getting the procedure done every six months is crucial to maintaining good oral hygiene. Regularly removing plaque and calculus strengthens the teeth and keeps other problems at bay, including gingival inflammation and bad breath.
