Teeth  Cleaning: Good or Bad?

Teeth cleaning is also known as Scaling or Polishing of teeth in dental terminology. It is a procedure that involves removal of plaque & calculus (tartar) from the tooth surface in order to prevent the onset or subsequent progression of gum disease. Plaque & calculus deposit over tooth surface as a result of multiple reasons like not brushing the teeth, improper brushing, mal alignment of teeth, smoking etc among others. They harbour bacteria & bacterial products which over time lead to irritation & inflammation of gums thereby leading to gingivitis. If allowed to progress it further leads to the loss of surrounding connective tissues that attach the gums to the teeth and bone, this is known as periodontitis. The consequences of which includes swollen & bleeding gums, bad breath, pus discharge, tooth mobility & subsequently tooth loss.

Thus, tooth loss is basically a consequence of plaque deposition rather than scaling thereby breaking a common myth. Conversely, not removing plaque will have a long time implications on your gums and teeth.

Therefore it becomes imperative to remove plaque which once deposited cannot be removed by regular brushing. This is done by dentist or oral health care professional either manually by means of a scalar or curette or by ultrasonic machine that features a vibrating metal tip with a water spray to remove the tenacious calculus. Dental scaling is typically followed by a procedure known as root planing that smoothen the tooth surface for effective reattachment of gums.  

Some people might feel sensitivity after scaling which usually subsides in few days either on its own or by using a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash. Scaling does not make teeth sensitive or gums weak & is advisable for healthy oral cavity.