PROFESSIONAL SCALES AND CLEANS at brisbane Smile boutique
A professional dental clean, or a scale and clean, is the removal soft and hard plaque, and stains that cannot be removed with regular tooth brushing at home. Regular scaling and cleaning prevents tooth decay and gum disease, and is recommended each 6 months.
Advantages of having regular scales and cleans are:
Whiter teeth - the calculus has a chalky white or yellow appearance. These hardened deposits are gently lifted off your teeth and at the gum line. Your teeth are carefully polished to remove as much of the surface stains from your teeth as possible.
Gum health - the calculus and plaque holds bacteria to the tooth surface, can get stuck under the gum and is known to cause infections of the gums.
Fresh breath - your teeth are carefully cleaned so that all the deposits that hold dead bacterial cells and other matter are removed.
Look after your overall health - the bacteria that cause gum disease are known to be linked to other diseases in the body like diabetes, heart disease and even dementia. A regular scale and clean is a way of ensuring that your mouth is as clean as can be.
Preventive care is less expensive - your dental professionals can monitor your dental health at each appointment, assess the amount of buildup, and offer advice to ensure that your home cleaning is as effective as possible.
You may need a scale and clean if:
You have plaque or calculus on your teeth that cannot be removed with regular tooth brushing and flossing at home
You would like to take the best care of your dental health and put preventative measures in place
Your teeth are stained from coffee, tea or red wine.
You smoke cigarettes
You have bleeding gums
Your teeth look yellower
You can see some buildup around the lower front teeth or the top back teeth in the mirror, or if it feels rough around where the gum joins the teeth
What is dental calculus or tartar?
Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on teeth and can contribute to various oral health problems:
1. **Formation:** Tartar is formed when plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva, is not removed from the teeth and hardens over time. Plaque can harden into calculus as quickly as in 24-72 hours.
2. **Composition:** It is composed mainly of calcium phosphate salts, bacteria, and other substances from saliva and gum fluid. Its rough surface provides an ideal environment for further plaque accumulation.
3. **Location:** Tartar can form both above and below the gum line. The tartar that forms above the gum line is easily visible and can often be seen as a yellow or brown deposit. Subgingival tartar, which forms under the gum line, is more dangerous to oral health.
**Damage Caused by Tartar:**
1. **Gum Disease:** Tartar contributes to the development and progression of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Its rough surface allows more plaque to accumulate, leading to inflammation and irritation of the surrounding gum tissues.
2. **Tooth Decay:** The bacteria in tartar and plaque can produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
3. **Bad Breath:** Tartar accumulation is associated with increased bacterial activity, which can contribute to bad breath (halitosis).
4. **Aesthetic Impact:** It can cause cosmetic issues, such as visible yellowing or browning of teeth, which affects one's smile.
5. **Loss of Teeth:** In advanced cases, especially when associated with periodontitis, tartar can lead to the destruction of the supporting bone around teeth, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
Removing tartar typically requires professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. Unlike plaque, which can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, tartar is too hard and firmly attached to be removed at home. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial to prevent tartar build-up and the associated
how poor oral health might affects general health
Periodontal disease, primarily known for affecting oral health, has been linked to several systemic health issues:
1. **Cardiovascular Disease:** Studies suggest a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of heart disease. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease may contribute to the development of arterial plaque, potentially leading to heart attacks and strokes.
2. **Diabetes:** There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease, and severe periodontal disease can worsen blood sugar control, exacerbating diabetes.
3. **Respiratory Diseases:** The bacteria in inflamed gums can be aspirated into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory diseases like pneumonia, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
4. **Pregnancy Complications:** Periodontal disease in pregnant women has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
5. **Rheumatoid Arthritis:** People with periodontal disease have been found to be more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The inflammation from periodontal disease might play a role in triggering or exacerbating RA.
6. **Alzheimer's Disease:** Some research suggests a potential link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease, with theories proposing that the bacteria from the gums could travel to the brain, contributing to the development of dementia.
7. **Cancer Risk:** Some studies have indicated a possible association between periodontal disease and certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, though more research is needed to understand this link.
It's important to note that while these associations exist, periodontal disease is not proven to directly cause these conditions. However, managing gum health may be a significant component of preventive health.