The benefits of a scale and polish
A scale and polish will provide the best means of cleaning your teeth. It is performed by either your dentist of your hygienist and usually takes no longer than a 40-minute appointment. This treatment can be really beneficial to anyone who under goes it, so in this article we will discuss the benefits of a scale and polish and what it entails.
What is a scale and polish?
Plaque and tartar build up are an inevitable part of life, no matter how well or often you clean your teeth. Once this builds up too much, you should consider going for a scale and polish the next time you visit your dentist.
Scaling is the process of your dentist removing the excess plaque, tartar and other debris that has formed over a period of time from your teeth. This is done by scraping away the layers of plaque that have formed over time.
This procedure is very beneficial and is relatively painless. The build up of plaque and tartar can only be properly removed by your dentist or hygienist, so it is essential that you get a scale and polish if recommended to you.
What to expect from a scale and polish?
As mentioned before, a scale and polish is carried out by either your dentist or hygienist. The first stage of this procedure involves the deposits of plaque and tartar being scraped away from your teeth, using a piece of equipment called an ‘ultrasound scraper’. This gets rid of the bulk of the build-up and is followed up by smaller hand held instruments to remove the excess.
After this, the tooth requires a ‘polish’ in order to make the surface really smooth. This process leaves the teeth looking shiny and bright, but also plays another role. The polish also gets rid of any imperfections and rough patches so tartar will struggle to grow again.
The benefits of a scale and polish
A scale and polish is, of course, a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It removes tartar and plaque build ups and leaves your teeth feeling fresh and clean. However, there are more than a few benefits from receiving a scale and polish.
Bad breath can be eliminated or greatly reduced from receiving a scale and polish as it gets rid of the bacteria that is producing the smell in the first place. Tartar build up are often the main cause of bad breath so having this removed at the source is a great way to having fresh breath again!
Reduces the risk of heart diseases
There have been many studies performed surrounding the correlation of good oral hygiene and good overall health. Diseases such as gingivitis and gum disease have been linked to directly negatively effecting the cardiovascular system. Simply brushing your teeth and regular dental check ups can greatly reduce your risk of ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure diabetes and strokes.
Saves you money
You could save a lot of money through looking after your teeth. Fillings, tooth extractions, crowns, implants and any other dental treatment can add up to a big sum over a long period of time, and the best way to avoid this is by regularly brushing and having a scale and polish whenever possible. Even if you develop a cavity in your teeth, spotting it whilst it is small will mean a much less expensive trip than if you were to fill in a big cavity
Are you looking to receive a scale and polish? Concerned about your oral health? Why not contact Malvern dentists today to see how we can help you!