Oral health is essential for our overall well-being, and maintaining it requires consistent effort. While brushing and flossing are the most common techniques for keeping your teeth clean and healthy, scaling and planing are equally important. These procedures are typically performed by dentists and dental hygienists to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. In this article, we’ll discuss how scaling and planing can help clean your teeth properly.
What Is Scaling and Planing?
Scaling and planing are dental procedures that focus on removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Scaling involves the use of a dental scaler, which is a specialized tool designed to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. Planing involves smoothing out the surface of your tooth root to remove any rough spots where bacteria can collect. These procedures are typically performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Benefits of Scaling and Planing
Scaling and planing offer several benefits for your oral health, including:
- Removal of plaque and tartar buildup: Scaling and planing can help remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone. This buildup can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues if left untreated.
- Prevention of gum disease: Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can cause tooth loss and other health issues. Scaling and planing can help prevent gum disease by removing the bacteria and debris that can lead to inflammation of the gums.
- Fresher breath: Scaling and planing can help eliminate bad breath by removing the bacteria that can cause it.
- Improved appearance: Scaling and planing can help remove stains and discoloration from your teeth, leaving them looking brighter and healthier.
How Often Should You Get Scaling and Planing?
The frequency of scaling and planing depends on your individual oral health needs. Typically, dentists recommend getting scaling and planing every six months to one year, depending on the severity of your plaque and tartar buildup. If you have gum disease or other oral health issues, you may need more frequent scaling and planing procedures.
Scaling and planing are essential procedures for maintaining good oral health. They can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, prevent gum disease, and improve the appearance of your teeth. If you haven’t had scaling and planing done recently, talk to your dentist to see if it’s right for you.