During a dental cleaning, the “scraping” sensation is a routine and important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. This procedure, known as scaling, is performed by dental professionals to clean your teeth and gum line. Scaling plays a crucial role in protecting your dental health and preventing issues from developing.
The Purpose of Scaling: Plaque and Tartar
Dentists scrape teeth to remove plaque and tartar, substances that accumulate on tooth surfaces. Plaque is a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It develops when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, producing acids. If not removed daily through brushing, plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum irritation.
If plaque remains on your teeth, it can harden into tartar. Tartar forms when minerals from saliva combine with plaque, creating a hard deposit that adheres firmly to the tooth enamel. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing at home; professional dental instruments are necessary. Tartar creates a rough surface that attracts more plaque, further irritating the gums.
The Dental Scaling Process
During a scaling procedure, dental professionals use specialized tools. These tools include manual scalers, which are handheld instruments to scrape deposits from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Ultrasonic scalers are commonly used, using high-frequency vibrations and a water spray to dislodge and wash away plaque and tartar. Both types of instruments are effective in reaching areas that regular brushing cannot.
Patients may experience sensations, including pressure or vibrations, rather than pain. Local anesthesia can be used to minimize discomfort, especially if there is significant buildup or gum sensitivity. After the scaling is complete, teeth are polished to create a smooth surface, which helps to deter new plaque and tartar from attaching.
Risks of Unremoved Buildup
Failing to remove plaque and tartar can lead to various oral health problems. The acids produced by plaque bacteria can erode tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth, leading to the formation of cavities, also known as dental caries. This process weakens the tooth structure and can eventually result in holes in the teeth.
Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing inflammation, redness, and bleeding, a condition called gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis involves the destruction of the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth mobility and even tooth loss. Additionally, the bacterial buildup associated with plaque and tartar can contribute to bad breath.
Maintaining Oral Health Between Visits
Minimizing plaque and tartar buildup between professional cleanings requires consistent home oral hygiene practices. Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste is recommended to remove plaque and food particles. Daily flossing is important, as it cleans between teeth and below the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Limiting sugary and starchy foods can reduce bacteria that form plaque. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are essential. These visits allow dental professionals to remove plaque and tartar that home care might miss, preventing oral diseases.