Tartar Cleaning
Why is Dental Stone Cleaning Done?
Are you taking good care of your teeth? Even if the answer to this question is "yes", plaque formation is observed on your teeth. A sticky and transparent layer forms on the tooth surfaces and along the gum line. These formations are called plaques. The bacteria living in these plaques can damage tooth enamel and gums. Plaques cause the formation of tartar in mouths that are not well cared for. Dental tartar is formed as a result of the hardening of bacteria and minerals in saliva. Plaques and tartar cause diseases such as gingivitis. Therefore, dental tartar cleaning is important. So what is dental scaling? Let's answer this question first.
What is Dental Stone Cleaning?
Tooth stone cleaning; It is the removal of the layers formed at the junction of the teeth and gums and on the surface of the teeth, also known as tartar, by the dentist with special tools. Structures formed above the gum line can cause inflammation in the gums , causing sensitivity and damaging the gums. This can lead to gum disease over time. The mildest of these is gingivitis . It manifests itself with bleeding. Yellow, brown, hard and porous dental stones can easily retain food and drinks due to their structure, and can make proper tooth brushing and flossing difficult. Due to bacterial formation, tartar creates bad breath. Dental scaling makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene and provide proper care and should not be delayed.
How is Dental Stone Cleaning Done?
“How is dental stone cleaning done?” While you are thinking, you should know that this is not a cleaning that can be done at home. Dental scaling is done by dentists in dental clinics. Tartar is usually cleaned and removed from the tooth surface with special hand tools and ultrasonic devices. In some cases, laser devices can also be used. After plaque and tartar are removed from the mouth, the tooth surface is polished with special polishing agents and brushes. As the rough structure of the tooth surface decreases, new plaque formation becomes difficult.
How Long Does Dental Stone Cleaning Take?
Dental scaling varies depending on the depth and amount of tartar . Dentists not only clean the tartar, but also perform all oral care. Dental scaling takes an average of 25-30 minutes, but in some cases it can take up to 1 hour. It is usually completed in a single session, but the number of sessions may increase in cases of advanced gum diseases.
What Should Be Done After Dental Stone Cleaning?
Those who have dental scaling should pay attention to some rules after dental scaling. After teeth cleaning, sensitivity may be felt in the teeth and gums. Very hot and very cold foods and drinks should not be consumed for 1 day after dental cleaning. After the procedure, products such as tea, coffee, cola and cigarettes that cause discoloration of the gums should be avoided for at least 2 hours. Teeth cleaning should not be interrupted, brushing your teeth regularly and using dental floss should continue.
How Often Should Dental Stone Cleaning Be Done?
The dentist decides how often dental scaling should be done. The frequency of dentist checks and oral hygiene and care are also decisive here. Dentists recommend cleaning the teeth every 6 months in cases of gum disease or risk (smoking, diabetes, etc.). Except for such cases, dental scaling is performed if deemed necessary during 1-year check-ups. If your mouth and saliva structure are prone to plaque and tartar formation, more frequent examinations and dental cleanings may be performed. People who are more prone to tartar are:
Those with dry mouth, usually due to aging and medication use
People who use mouth breathing due to nasal problems or people who have a habit of mouth breathing (Due to dry mouth in these patients, the saliva cannot perform sufficient cleaning activity and dental stone formation occurs very quickly)
Those who cannot clean their teeth well
Those receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck region
smokers
Those who consume too much sugary or starchy foods and drinks
oral hygiene routine
Is Dental Stone Cleaning Harmful?
There are 700 types of bacteria living in our mouth. These bacteria grow on plaques. When plaques full of bacteria combine with food, acid that damages teeth is produced. By regular brushing and flossing, these plaques can be eliminated before tartar forms. Thus, there is no need for dental scaling. However, some mouths are prone to tartar. These tartars must be cleaned because they cause gum diseases. When dental tartar is not cleaned, it can damage teeth, gums and jawbone. Gingivitis occurs in the mouth where tartar is not cleaned for a long time. Gingivitis, which is characterized by swollen, red and bleeding gums, can be caused by gingivitis if left untreated. It may turn into periodontitis . In other words, the infection reaches the jawbone underneath from the gum. This progressive inflammatory condition may even lead to the destruction of the bone tissue surrounding the teeth , loosening of the teeth and loss of teeth.
You can follow the suggestions below to prevent tartar formation:
Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day for 2 minutes.
While brushing your teeth, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle by placing the first row of bristles on the line where the tooth and gum meet. After vibrating the brush in place without moving it back and forth and ensuring that the bristles enter between the teeth, brush all the teeth by making an upward sweeping motion on the upper jaw teeth and an upward sweeping motion on the lower jaw teeth. Then brush the chewing faces. Brushing teeth hard can cause tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and erosion of tooth enamel.
Floss at least once a day. Because you can intervene with dental floss in places where a toothbrush cannot enter. You can also clean between your teeth with the best dental floss. You can also benefit from oral rinses and mouthwashes.
Never brush your teeth with abrasive products such as baking soda or salt. There will be more plaque and tartar accumulation on the scratched and worn enamel surface.
Be careful not to consume sugary and starchy foods and drinks. Try to brush and floss your teeth immediately after consuming sticky sugary foods. If you cannot brush right away , drink a glass of water and run your tongue over your teeth.
Go for regular dental checkups and get regular oral care. If you have gum disease, follow the treatment prescribed by the dentist.
If you smoke cigarettes and tobacco products, stop. Because the risk of tartar formation is higher in those who use these products.
Don't forget to brush your tongue to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth.