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A scale and polish is a cleaning procedure performed by a dental professional to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth’s enamel. If you have noticed that your teeth feel rough or have visible stains, you may need a scale and polish. Most dentists recommend doing it with your biannual check-up (once every six months). 

The best way to care for your teeth is to have a consistent cleaning routine: brush, floss, and rinse. This ensures that your enamel is strong and free from harmful plaque and bacteria. However, professional cleaning and check-ups ensure that your dentist can examine the state of your mouth and, if necessary, schedule follow-up appointments to tackle any issues early on. 

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of our teeth. It is composed mainly of minerals, primarily hydroxyapatite. It’s the hardest substance in your body. Enamel is essential because it protects your teeth from wear and tear and helps to keep them strong. 

Moreover, it plays a role in the appearance of your teeth. If you have healthy enamel, your teeth will look white and smooth. If your enamel is damaged or thin, your teeth may appear yellow or worn. Scaling and polishing help maintain your enamel and prevent gum disease. 

Prevent Gum Disease

Keeping the teeth clean is the best way to avoid bacteria worsening your condition if you have signs of gum disease, such as red, swollen, bleeding gums or periodontal disease. 

Risk factors for periodontitis include:

• Diabetes,
• Smoking and stress,
• Family history of gum disease,
• Diabetes and heart disease,
• Arthritis,
• Hormone changes,
• Improperly fitted dental bridges or defective dental fillings,
• Overbite or crooked teeth (malocclusion), and
• Poor oral hygiene.

The best way to know if you need a scale and polish is to visit a dentist and have them evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. They can then advise you on whether a scale and polish are necessary and what other dental care you may need. Dental insurance like Affinity Dental offers you a network of registered dentists at an affordable monthly rate. 

The Benefits Of Scaling Teeth

Scaling and root planing are carefully cleaning the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets. It smooths the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. Smooth root surfaces keep germs, plaque and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gumline. 

This allows your gums to heal and reattach themselves more firmly. There are several benefits to having your teeth scaled, including the following:

• Improved oral hygiene: Scaling helps to remove plaque and tartar, which are the leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease. By removing these substances, your teeth and gums will be healthier.
• Fresher breath: Plaque and tartar can also contribute to bad breath, so scaling can help to freshen your breath.
• Reduced tooth sensitivity: Plaque and tartar buildup can cause tooth sensitivity, as it can wear down the enamel and expose the sensitive dentin. Scaling can help to remove the buildup and reduce sensitivity.
• Prevention of gum disease: Plaque and tartar buildup can cause gum disease, a serious infection that can lead to tooth loss. Scaling can help to prevent gum disease by removing the buildup.
• Improved aesthetics: Scaling can help to remove surface stains and discolouration, which can improve the appearance of your teeth.

Scaling and root planing teeth may take more than one appointment, and local anaesthetic can be used to minimise any discomfort, explains Colgate. 

The Benefits Of Polishing Teeth At The Dentist

There are several benefits to having your teeth polished, including the following:

• A more attractive smile: Polishing teeth can be done purely for aesthetics. It removes surface stains and discolouration and can lead to a brighter, more beautiful smile.
• Reduced plaque buildup: Polishing can help smooth out the teeth’s surface, making them less prone to plaque buildup. This can help maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease risk.
• Reduced tooth sensitivity: Polishing can also help to reduce tooth sensitivity, as it can smooth out rough areas on the teeth that can expose the sensitive dentin.
• Better oral health: Polishing is often combined with scaling teeth, which is the removal of plaque and tartar, so together, they can help to improve overall oral health.

Polishing is usually done after scaling and deep cleaning. It is also usually recommended for people with a history of cavities. A dental professional can help to recommend whether polishing is necessary for your individual case.