Commonly known as "tooth cleaning," the medical term for this procedure is "scaling and root planing." The "scaling" refers to removing plaque, tartar, stains, and other deposits from the tooth surface, while "root planing" signifies that it is one of the fundamental methods for treating periodontal disease.
In developed countries, teeth cleaning has become a common routine oral health practice. Dentists note that it removes tartar and plaque, smoothing tooth surfaces, reducing gum inflammation and swelling, stopping bleeding and periodontal pus discharge. It may also promote new connective tissue attachment to tooth roots, stabilizing loose teeth.Since calculus surfaces harbor vast quantities of bacteria and their metabolic byproducts, they constantly irritate periodontal tissues. This manifests as red, swollen gums and easy bleeding during chewing. Persistent exposure to these irritants leads to gum recession, alveolar bone destruction, and tooth loosening, ultimately necessitating tooth extraction.
So, what are the pros and cons of dental scaling?
What are the benefits of teeth cleaning for dental health?
1. Teeth cleaning prevents cavities: Regular cleanings help prevent cavities. Plaque and other deposits adhere to tooth surfaces. Without diligent daily oral hygiene, these can lead to cavities and affect aesthetics. Teeth cleaning removes such debris, promoting dental health.
2. Prevents periodontal disease: Professional cleaning effectively prevents and treats gum disease by removing stubborn plaque buildup. Long-term residue on teeth compromises oral health, and scaling eliminates these harmful deposits.
3. Dental cleaning detects oral issues: During the procedure, a comprehensive oral examination is conducted, facilitating early problem identification and treatment. Early detection and intervention yield better outcomes without causing harm to teeth.
4. Dental cleaning prevents bad breath: Studies indicate that approximately 85% of individuals who skip dental cleanings suffer from halitosis.Maintaining good oral hygiene is the essential first step in preventing bad breath, and professional teeth cleaning is a key method for eliminating it.
While teeth cleaning can reduce inflammation associated with gingivitis and periodontitis, it alone cannot cure periodontal disease. To effectively treat periodontal disease, further diagnosis and specialized dental treatment are necessary after cleaning. Therefore, the primary purpose of teeth cleaning is to prevent and treat oral diseases, not merely for cosmetic reasons.
Drawbacks of Dental Cleaning
1. Gum Damage
Particularly when exposed tooth roots after plaque removal aren't promptly treated professionally, it not only causes unbearable pain but also worsens periodontal disease. This is a common risk of dental cleaning.
2. Increased Risk of Cross-Contamination
Teeth cleaning can easily lead to cross-contamination, causing unnecessary complications. Why might teeth feel unusual or sensitive after cleaning? If the teeth are healthy, this sensation typically subsides over time.
If gaps appear larger, this indicates pre-existing periodontal disease and gum recession. Tartar removal creates the illusion of wider gaps—a consequence of the disease itself, not the treatment. Without timely tartar removal, gum recession worsens, potentially causing tooth loosening. This is another common risk of scaling.
3. Failure to achieve preventive effects
Removing only visible plaque while leaving deep-seated plaque—which carries the strongest pathogenic potential—fails to prevent periodontal disease. This also constitutes a risk of professional teeth cleaning.
Avoid frequent cleanings; once every six months to a year is sufficient. Seek professional teeth cleaning at a reputable dental hospital performed by rigorously trained medical personnel.