You must do scaling, regardless of your fear of visiting the dentist.
Since scaling is offered free of charge by the National Health Insurance in South Korea once a year, many people should take advantage of this crucial management technique for preserving dental health.
A dental procedure called scaling eliminates tartar and plaque, bacterial lumps accumulated between the gum line and the tooth surface. Utilizing dental professionals to remove tartar and bacterial plaque that cannot be eliminated by brushing alone is highly beneficial in preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
After eating, sugar and bacteria in the mouth combine to form plaque, a sticky substance. If this plaque is not removed by brushing, it will eventually solidify into tartar by combining with salivary calcium. This tartar must be removed by scaling at the dentist’s.
Tartar is a major cause of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can lead to periodontal disease (periodontitis). This disease gradually destroys the tissues surrounding the teeth, eventually causing teeth to become loose or fall out. Because it often shows few symptoms, neglecting the buildup of tartar can lead to a sudden decline in dental health.
Scaling serves as the first line of defense against these issues. Receiving regular scaling not only helps prevent bad breath but is also effective in reducing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding and swelling. Research suggests it may also help prevent systemic inflammatory responses and cardiovascular diseases, which are more likely to occur in bacteria-rich environments.
Since the degree of tartar buildup and oral health varies from person to person, many dental professionals recommend getting scaling every six months as the ideal frequency.
Smokers, diabetics, elderly individuals who struggle with oral hygiene, and those wearing braces should visit the dentist more frequently to monitor their oral health than the general population.
After scaling, some patients may temporarily experience bleeding gums or sensitive teeth. This sensitivity occurs because the roots of the teeth, now exposed after tartar removal, become more responsive to external stimuli. Most people recover naturally within a few days, and it’s advisable to avoid very hot or cold foods during this time.
Additionally, after scaling, it’s recommended to maintain even more thorough brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. Although tartar has been removed, plaque can quickly reform if oral care is neglected for just a day or two, making consistent oral hygiene essential.
Some people mistakenly believe that scaling damages the tooth surface, but this is not true. Scaling is a treatment aimed at preventing gum disease, performed with appropriate tools and skilled hands, and it does not negatively affect healthy teeth. Neglecting tartar for an extended period can harm the teeth and gum tissues much more.
Scaling is a procedure for prevention, not treatment. Since the health of teeth and gums directly relates to overall health, it’s crucial to manage tartar buildup proactively. It is impossible to eliminate bacteria from all the gaps between teeth through brushing alone, so regularly visiting the dentist and receiving a scaling is necessary.
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