Teeth scaling is also known as polishing is a part of the oral hygiene. However, there is also a professional teeth cleaning, which is done by the hygienist at a dentist’s office. It is a simple and painless routine procedure used to remove some plaques and tartar from the teeth, mostly in the part, where the gum meets the tooth.

Keeping a mouth clean is a very important not only for oral hygiene, but also for the entire organism. Teeth cleaning helps to prevent tooth loss and the development of diseases like bacterial endocarditis and dementia. Any dental procedure is a risk for bacterial infection, because the bacteria can penetrate through the bloodstream to any organ.

The procedure seems to be easy; however, it requires some professional skills. At the dental office before the actual process begins, the mouth should be first examined. The dental hygienist uses a small mirror to make sure, that teeth and gums are healthy. If any problems are detected, a dentist will examine the patient. If gingivitis or periodontitis (gum diseases) present, teeth cleaning procedure must be discussed, because the risk of bleeding is increased. The patient should tell about any history of gum disease present in his or her family.

If no gum disease is detected, the dental hygienist continues the procedure. The dentist can use a topical anesthetic to relax a patient. If a person regularly practices good oral hygiene with proper brushing and flossing techniques, he or she won’t experience discomfort during the procedure. Usually it is possible to do this process more enjoyable; therefore, a patient should tell the dental hygienist about any discomfort during teeth cleaning.

With small tools, like mirror and scaler, the hygienist removes plaques and tartar around the gum line as well as in between the teeth. The duration of procedure varies depending on the amount of tartar. A patient can ask for a mirror or an intraoral camera which will allow watching the procedure and understanding what is going on.

Once all tartars and plaques are removed, the hygienist brushes the teeth with a high-powered electrobrush and toothpaste that gently scrubs the surface of teeth. The hygienist also flosses and offers a patient to rinse to remove any debris that stuck deeply. The last step of the cleaning process is a fluoride treatment. A patient chooses a gel or paste with favor smell and the dental hygienist places it into a mouthpiece that fits over the teeth. It left there for a minute.     

It’s not recommended to polish the teeth more than twice a year, because the enamel may wear down.

Oral hygiene at home is critical. A patient can ask the dentist how to clean teeth properly. It’s common to clean brush and floss after meals or at least twice per day. It is also important to use appropriate tools to avoid any gum injury. Some natural and herbal substances, like green tea, eucalyptol, menthol, and tea tree oil can help to keep teeth clean and fight against decay. Every person should make an appointment every six months, if any gum disease present, every three months.