What is scaling ? Why regular Scaling or dental cleaning is necessary ?

Dr. Pooja Jalan
Sep 23, 2017
2 min read

If you are going through bad taste in mouth or persistent bad breath, don't worry you’re not alone. You might need to consult your nearest dentist for possible gum disease.

Usually saliva, bacteria, and proteins in our mouth form a thin layer that covers your teeth at almost all times and we are not aware of it.

When we eat our regular food or junk food, tiny particles, acids, and sugars from the food stick to this film, creating a buildup on the teeth which in dental terms we call it plaque.

Bacteria inside this plaque is most probably the reason for gum disease and tooth decay.

Patients with healthy gums, usuall have less plaque as their gum tissues fits tightly around the tooth and keep plaque out. On the other hand if gum disease begins to form, this tissue will loosen.

Gum disease can be in form of inflamed gums or can be serious disease that can cause tooth loss. It is quite possible that your dentist will suggest scaling in this case.

Scaling, commonly known as dental cleaning, is performed to help patients with stubborn case of gum disease or excessive plaque buildup. Standard cleaning addresses the surface of the tooth while scaling goes much deeper.

Dental scaling is necessary to remove the plaque beneath the gumline and help treat the gum disease.

As a dentist, we always advice to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as daily brushing two times a day and flossing. Also regular visits to your dentist and avoiding certain foods and drinks are best best way to keep the gums and teeth healthy.