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Your dentist or hygienist will use a 'scale and polish' when your teeth require a thorough clean to remove all
traces of plaque and tartar. Scaling is used to remove the hard tartar on your teeth, which cannot be removed by simply brushing your teeth.
The polishing stage helps to clean away stains from your teeth, which may have been caused by coffee, tea or red wine.
If you suffer with gum disease, you will require a deeper scaling, which is called 'root planning'. As this treatment cleans all around
the roots of the teeth, your dentist or hygienist may discuss the option of giving you a local anaesthetic, so that it doesn't feel too
sensitive and uncomfortable.
There are two different types of scalers that can be used to scale your teeth. Hand scalers come in different shapes and sizes, to enable
different parts of your teeth to be cleaned. Electric scalers use very fast vibration with water. The water is sucked out of your mouth.
To polish your teeth, a rotating brush or rubber polisher with toothpaste will be used.
Having a regular 'scale and polish' will help you to maintain healthy teeth and gums, as it will make it easier
for you to keep them clean at home. As this treatment will thoroughly clean your teeth, they will look and feel different.
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, this may be the early signs of gum disease and you should tell your dentist. Using regular
scaling your dentist or hygienist can help prevent gum disease getting worse. This will also prevent bad breath, as this can be caused by
gum disease.
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Scaling and Polishing