Detertraj (tooth stone cleaning)

Tooth Stone Cleaning: A Key Process in Oral Health Care

Regular brushing and flossing are common habits that contribute toward good oral hygiene. Even so, with proper care, plaque and tartar, or tooth stones, still form on the teeth, especially in places that are difficult to reach. Cleaning tooth stones, also called scaling, is done by a professional, and it removes those stubborn deposits from your teeth to make it more attractive and also contribute toward good oral health.

In this article, we will be discussing the importance of tooth stone cleaning, the procedure itself, the benefits one gets from it, and how to maintain an optimal state of oral health to avoid further buildup of these deposits in the future.

What is Tooth Stone Cleaning?

Tooth stone cleaning is the process of removal of plaque and tartar, commonly known as calculus, deposited on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth throughout the day. If not regularly removed, it may harden into tartar, which can be eliminated only with professional cleaning.

There are mainly two steps in this cleaning procedure:

Scaling: It includes the removal of plaque and tartar deposits above and below the gum line by a dental professional, using special instruments like manual scalers or ultrasonic devices.

Polishing: The teeth are polished after scaling with the help of particular paste that smoothens the surface, removing other stains and plaque.

Why is Tooth Stone Cleaning Important?

Even with the most rigorous at-home oral care routine, tartar buildup may still be experienced, most especially in the areas not so easily reached within the mouth. This, of course, can affect a number of problems with oral health, such as the following:

Gum Disease: When there is tartar formation along the gum line, it irritates the gums, causing gingivitis-inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis, if left untreated, could develop into periodontitis, which is a serious disease of the gums and could lead to the loss of teeth.

Dental Caries and Tooth Decay: Plaque and tartar are inhabited by bacteria that lead to cavities and tooth decay. Removing these noxious deposits, tooth stone cleaning prevents dental caries and tooth decay.

Bad Breath: The bacteria in plaque and tartar may also cause foul-smelling breath or halitosis. Cleaning on a regular basis helps to eradicate the cause of such odors, hence keeping the mouth fresh.

How Frequently Would You Need to Have Tooth Stone Cleaning?

How often one cleans tooth stone depends on things like your oral hygiene habits, ailments, and lifestyle. In general, though, most dental professionals recommend cleaning every six to twelve months. Those who have a tendency toward tartar building visit more often.

Determinants for cleaning frequency include :

Poor Oral Hygiene: If one doesn't brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar build up at a faster rate and require cleanings more often.

Smoking or Tobacco Use: Smoking increases the chances of tartar buildup; therefore, smokers should get cleanings very often.

Health Conditions: Health issues, such as diabetes or heart problems, can increase the risk of gum disease, and one should, therefore, get cleanings more often.

Dietary Habits: A diet high in sugar and acid foods can also provoke the formation of plaque and tartar, which requires more cleaning.

What does one expect during the tooth stone cleaning?

The process of cleaning the tooth stone is simple, painless, and extremely effective. In a regular session of cleaning, the following are involved:

Initial Checkup: It involves the dentist or the hygienist inspecting your teeth and gums before cleaning. This is meant to check for an early sign of periodontal disease, any cavities, and other problems. This may involve taking X-rays if necessary.

Scaling: This involves the removal of tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth by the professional, using special tools. The manual scaling employs small hand instruments to scrape off the buildup. On the other hand, ultrasonic tools loosen up the tartar with water and vibration for its removal.

Smoothening: After the removal of tartar, your teeth are smoothened with a special paste, which reduces the possibility of plaque development in the future and removes surface stains.

Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be given after cleaning to restore the enamel and prevent cavities.

Benefits of Cleaning Tooth Stone

Other than just providing one with a bright, white smile, tooth stone cleaning is very crucial because it has a number of key benefits associated with it. These include:

Prevention of Gum Disease: It helps in the removal of harmful tartar from under the gum line, hence reducing the chance of developing gum disease and keeping your gums healthier.

Improved Oral Hygiene: Cleaning makes it easier to maintain ideal oral hygiene at home by the removal of plaque and tartar. Clean teeth generally have fewer collections of bacteria and food particles.

Brighter Smile: The polishing of the teeth removes surface stains; hence, it leaves the teeth cleaner and brighter.

Fresher Breath: Reduction of bacteria due to the removal of plaque and tartar improves freshness in the breath.

Reduced risk of tooth decay: The dangerous bacteria that cause cavities are taken away, and hence a cleaning of the tooth stone reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Cost-effective for the future: Cleaning will prevent more serious dental problems and save you money from treatments such as filling or gum surgery later on.

Does it Hurt to Have Your Teeth Cleaned with a Tooth Stone?

It is generally a very comfortable and almost painless procedure for most people. It can be uncomfortable if the patient has extremely sensitive gums or has a lot of heavy tartar buildup; discomfort could result from the scaling. Feelings are pressure or vibration, but not really pain.

If you are very sensitive or anxious about the procedure, it would do well to speak with your dentist ahead of time. They can provide some suggestions to make the experience even easier, like advising on the use of a local anesthetic to numb those areas that are most sensitive or offering advice on relaxation techniques.

After Care: How to Keep Your Teeth Clean

Your teeth will be smooth and fresh after your session with a tooth stone. The following aftercare tips will help in maintaining good oral health and to keep the freshness of the cleaning for a longer period:

Brush and Floss Regularly: Keep brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss once a day to remove remaining plaque.

Mouthwash: A fluoride mouthwash may help kill bacteria and protect your teeth against cavities.

Staining Foods to Avoid: Just after a cleaning, your teeth are a bit more vulnerable to staining. For at least 24 hours, try and avoid coffee, tea, and tobacco products.

Keep Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This can help wash out food particles and bacteria, which help maintain a cleaner mouth.

Conclusion: The Importance of Regular Tooth Stone Cleaning

Cleaning of the tooth stone, better known as dental scaling, is an important treatment for any kind of optimal oral health. It helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath while offering a better aesthetic appeal for your smile. Regular cleaning prevents plaque and tartar buildup, preventing severe oral health issues that may arise after some time.

Well, if you haven't had a cleaning in some time now, it is about time you make an appointment with your dentist. With the help of professional tooth stone cleaning, besides having a cleaner mouth and fresher breath, you will be able to keep longer good oral health, which keeps your smile shining for years.