Dental scaling is a fairly simple and common dental technique that helps remove stubborn plaque at the base of the tooth or on the tooth surface. From there, this method can prevent the attack of bacteria in tartar that is harmful to oral health, while providing long-lasting fresh breath. However, many people still wonder if scaling whitens teeth? Let’s find out with BIK International Dentistry!
1. What is scaling?
After eating for about 15 minutes, if the mouth is not cleaned, a thin layer will form on the surface of the teeth. Regular brushing is difficult to clean this plaque as well as food debris left between the teeth. If plaque accumulates for too long, it will gradually turn into tartar. Tartar is often light yellow and sticks firmly to the tooth root, so it is very difficult to completely remove.
At this time, dental scaling is considered a very necessary solution to remove all plaque, thereby preventing the attack of bacteria that can cause other oral diseases. Scaling teeth at the dentist is a fairly simple technique, the doctor will use ultrasonic vibrations to make tartar fall off the tooth surface without damaging the gums or enamel.
2. Should you have your teeth scaled regularly?
If tartar is not removed for too long, it will cause inflammation because the bacteria in it are in a very favorable position to attack the gums and tooth roots. If the inflammation persists, it can affect the tooth structure and jawbone, and jawbone loss is the most serious consequence. Although scaling can prevent the above effects, experts recommend only regular check-ups and scaling depending on the oral condition.
2.1. Every 6 months
Normally, everyone should have their teeth cleaned every 6 months. This is the right time because tartar has not yet accumulated densely, making the process difficult, bacteria have not yet attacked and affected oral health, and teeth and gums have also recovered after the previous scaling.
2.2. Every 3-4 months
For people who have the habit of smoking, drinking coffee, tea or other dark foods and people with rough enamel, crooked teeth that make tartar easily accumulate, they should have their teeth scaled about every 3-4 months to keep their teeth and mouth clean and bring fresh breath.
3. Does scaling whiten teeth?
In fact, the nature of scaling is just to clean the hard plaque around the tooth root, between the teeth or on the tooth body. Therefore, scaling will help the teeth become cleaner and brighter than before because the tartar has been completely cleaned to reveal the natural color of the teeth.
However, scaling has absolutely no effect on whitening teeth. Even though the teeth have been polished after scaling, they can only be brightened to a certain extent. In case the customer wants to have bright white teeth, they can use the teeth whitening service after scaling at the dentist.
4. Dental scaling process
The professional dental scaling process usually includes the following basic steps:
4.1. Examination and consultation
First, the doctor will conduct a general examination to check the oral condition as well as advise on the method of tartar removal. If any oral disease is detected during the examination, the doctor will provide a reasonable treatment plan.
4.2. Proceed with tartar removal
The tartar removal technique will be performed using a modern ultrasound machine to ensure that the gums and tooth structure are not affected, as well as to minimize the discomfort for the customer. The doctor will gently move the ultrasound machine to the position where tartar is formed without direct contact with the teeth or gums. Gradually, thanks to the vibration of the machine, the tartar will completely peel off the enamel.
4.3. Tooth Polishing
The dentist will use a specialized mineral powder to polish the tooth surface. This process helps the tooth become smooth and even, thereby limiting the formation of plaque on the teeth and helping the teeth stay whiter for longer.
5. Notes after scaling
After scaling, there will usually be no pain or any other effects, but at this time the teeth will become quite sensitive, so you still need to pay attention to the following to take care of your teeth effectively:
5.1. Oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day to effectively prevent tartar from forming, and can be combined with dental floss to completely remove food debris stuck between teeth. Be careful to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth properly to avoid damaging your teeth.
5.2. Diet
Adjust your diet appropriately, supplement with nutrients to support strong teeth and better recovery after scaling. Limit smoking for about 1-2 days after scaling because the enamel is still relatively sensitive.
So scaling does not whiten teeth, but only helps teeth become cleaner because it has removed other colored plaque. Although the tooth polishing step after scaling also helps whiten teeth to a certain extent, if you want to have bright white teeth, customers should still choose to use teeth whitening services to bring about the desired results.
