Routine dental cleanings

Routine dental cleanings, also known as polishing and scaling, is an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth. Even though you may have a good brushing and flossing routine, we all need that little bit of extra attention to remove hardened deposits also known as tartar/calculus, that simply cannot be removed by routine brushing and flossing. Oh, and YES, even your dentist needs to go for these cleanings!

THE PROCEDURE

During a regular routine professional polishing and scaling hard deposits are scaled off with an ultrasonic scaler and the teeth are polished to smooth surface again. This procedure may sometimes be combined with your check-up appointment, depending on your specific situation and treatment needs at the time.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I POLISH AND SCALE?

How often you go is usually 6 monthly, but your dentist may tell you to go less frequently if you are not prone to calculus build-up; or to go more frequently if you are more prone or have diabetes, if you smoke or if you are currently suffering from gum disease.

AND IF I DON’T?

These deposits may result in bleeding gums, and gum disease, and in the long run, even cause gingival recession, which cause the gums to receed, and subsequently exposing the roots, rendering the teeth sensitive to hot and cold beverages. In severe cases, with years of receding, the teeth may even become loose due to bone loss and eventually tooth loss may result.