Tartar is a calcification of dental plaque very rich in
germs. It promotes the development of gingival and periodontal diseases. To
avoid and prevent it, good oral hygiene with good brushing is essential, but it
is also recommended to have regular scaling at the dentist. Dental scaling is essential
to minimize the risk of gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities or even bad
breath. In addition, it helps to clean up the patient's oral health by removing
the tartar formation present above and below the gum line.
When should dental scaling be done?
The frequency of dental scaling depends on how much and how
quickly tartar forms on your teeth. Indeed, the reformation of tartar is very
variable. It can range from a few weeks for some to several months for others.
This duration depends on several factors:
·
Eating habits
·
Tooth brushing
·
Diseases such as diabetes, periodontitis, …
·
Consumption of antidepressants, anticoagulants,
…
·
The quality and quantity of saliva
There is no exact time limit from which you have to go for
scaling or tooth decay cleaning.
You can, however, seek advice from dental surgeons to define your needs
according to several evaluation criteria. For example, it is generally
recommended to perform scaling every 9 to 12 months on average for a patient
without pathology. But this period can be greatly shortened for a person with
fragile or disease-prone oral health.
How is dental scaling performed?
Descaling consists of two things: the removal of the hard
deposit and the polishing of the freshly cleaned surfaces.
The elimination of this deposit is done either by manual
scraping using a curette or by a more common method: using an ultrasonic device
emitting vibrations to take off the tartar from the gingival edge, aspirated
subsequently via a probe.
At the end of the session, the dentist polishes the surface
of the teeth using a polisher and a polishing paste to smooth and remove any
stains. It's kind of a bang for the teeth. In the end, it is also possible to
benefit from fluoridation to make the teeth more resistant and reduce dental
sensitivities and the risk of cavities forming. It is an excellent protection
for the teeth.
Does descaling hurt?
One of the fears that come up regularly is: does descaling
hurt?
The answer is no. In patients with good oral health, scaling
does not hurt, although it may be uncomfortable. For those who suffer from
tooth sensitivity or have a cavity, bearable pain can be felt. However, it is
possible to anesthetize locally if the patient feels pain, but in most cases,
this is unnecessary.
After dental scaling: what to eat, what precautions to take?
If fluoridation has been carried out at the end of your
dental scaling, it is strongly recommended to wait to eat for at least 30
minutes to avoid diluting the fluoride gel and reducing its effectiveness.
On the other hand, if you have benefited from scaling
without fluoridation, there is no particular reason to wait before eating.
·
Nevertheless, the main recommendation to keep in
mind is that after this intervention, foods that may impregnate the teeth and
color them should be avoided for a few hours:
·
Drinks such as tea, coffee, wine, red fruit
juice, etc.
·
Spices like curry, paprika, saffron, …
·
Fruits and vegetables such as beets,
blueberries, cherries, etc.
Indeed, following scaling, the teeth are more permeable, and
the enamel cuticle remains porous for 6 hours and absorbs more stains.
Remember that it is important to brush your teeth twice a
day and floss once a day for optimal oral health. Scaling can help keep your
mouth healthy, but it cannot replace regular brushing and the occasional use of
mouthwashes. Maintaining good oral health will be much more difficult if you
neglect these procedures.
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