Scaling and teeth cleaning

The scaling procedure is a highly requested dental treatment among the patients who visit our Dental Practice. Generally, it should be carried out every 6 months, but this varies from patient to patient. Below, we explain how and how often it should be performed depending on each case, and what happens if it is neglected.

INDEX

  1. What is scaling?
  2. Professional teeth cleaning techniques
  3. Why is scaling necessary?
  4. What happens if you skip scaling?
  5. DIY teeth cleaning

1. What is scaling? ↑

Scaling, also called tartar removal, is the technical term for professional dental cleaning. It is an essential procedure, as it forms the foundation for maintaining the health of the oral cavity. It also provides a pleasant feeling of cleanliness, freshness and well-being inside the mouth.

2. Professional teeth cleaning techniques ↑

At our dental practice in Milan, we work with qualified dental hygienists who perform accurate supragingival and/or subgingival scaling. We use appropriate instruments and provide practical advice to help patients maintain oral health. During the session, we typically use:

  • ultrasonic dental scalers, which combine vibration and a pressurized water flow to remove plaque;
  • precision instruments (scalers or curettes) to remove plaque deposits and polish the tooth surface;
  • abrasive paste to remove smoke and coffee stains, clean plaque deposits and brighten teeth;
  • laser light to reach the most difficult areas.

How long does a professional teeth cleaning take?

The duration of a scaling session varies based on the amount of plaque and tartar and the patient’s sensitivity. On average, professional cleaning takes between 30 and 45 minutes, but in cases of significant buildup or particularly sensitive gums, it may take longer. During the session, the hygienist removes tartar, polishes the teeth and, if necessary, refines hard-to-reach areas.

3. Why is scaling necessary? ↑

Plaque is a whitish substance made up of bacteria that live and reproduce in the mouth, producing acids that gradually corrode the enamel and gums. Through scaling and proper daily oral hygiene, it is possible to prevent tartar formation, which occurs when plaque is not removed correctly. The main reasons why scaling is necessary include:

  • preventing tartar buildup and cavities;
  • reducing the risk of conditions that may compromise overall health (such as heart disease and diabetes complications). Many adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease (even mild—think of how often gums bleed while brushing). The bacteria involved in gingivitis can significantly affect general health.

How often should tartar removal be performed?

Some people follow our oral hygiene recommendations very diligently and only require professional cleaning once a year. Other lucky patients have physiological characteristics that reduce the need for frequent scaling, such as:

  • teeth that naturally self-clean well;
  • saliva with an optimal mineral composition.

4. What happens if you skip scaling? ↑

The two most common oral diseases worsened by poor dental hygiene are cavities and periodontal disease. The latter can progress into what is commonly known as pyorrhea:

  1. cavities are caused by bacterial plaque, which forms when bacteria live and multiply in the mouth;
  2. periodontal disease is mainly caused by tartar.

Preventing cavities and periodontal disease requires proper daily oral hygiene, including frequent use of a toothbrush and dental floss.

5. DIY teeth cleaning ↑

Practicing proper daily oral hygiene is essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent tartar formation. Once tartar forms, the only way to remove it is through scaling. However, you can prevent buildup by following our recommendations.

Our 10 tips

  1. Brush your teeth regularly after every meal (or at least twice a day) for about 2 minutes;
  2. use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is gentle on the gums;
  3. to be effective, brushing must also include hard-to-reach surfaces (behind the teeth and on the back of the molars);
  4. replace your toothbrush regularly when it becomes worn (usually every 2 months);
  5. choose non-abrasive toothpastes;
  6. use dental floss regularly, as it removes about 40% of plaque;
  7. use an alcohol-free antiseptic and antibacterial mouthwash (alcohol dries the mouth and increases bacterial growth);
  8. brush your tongue too, as bacteria accumulate there as well;
  9. drink plenty of water;
  10. avoid smoking and reduce the intake of sugary foods, which release acids harmful to teeth.