It`s called Scaling because it looks like the type of scale that is left behind by Lime Scale on a tap, says a Central London dentist. The dentist will start by using a small hand held tool that looks like a sharp ended crook that a shepherd uses, this will be used to scrape off the white tartar and sticky bacteria that gets in between our teeth. Usually brushing, flossing and strong mouth washes won`t get rid of this scale. Once it is picked off, the dentist will use a water spout that vibrates in between the teeth, this will wash off any loosened material and debris that is left. If you suffer from receding gums then you may need a local anaesthetic, this is so the dentist can get to the tartar that is embedded onto the top and bottom of your teeth. To do this they will need to plane the tooth to get all the debris off. It is important to get it all as it will only eat into the teeth and you`ll lose them much earlier than necessary. Polishing will be the next stage, this is so the teeth will lose their discolouration and become white again. The method used by most dentists is to blend the enamel and work it into a better colour, the polish up will also smooth the teeth`s surface to make it look more natural. This will happen at your 6 monthly visits to the dentist, and so it is very important that you keep that appointment if you want give your teeth the best chance of staying with you for most of your life. Many people lose their teeth prematurely, simply because they fail to keep up their 6 monthly check ups

Keeping your teeth clean and healthy with brushing and flossing is imperative to avoiding dental health problems. It removes plaque and bacteria helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that causes painful and damaging dental problems. However, even the most diligent oral hygienist can sometimes fall foul of the persistent threat of plaque.

This is why it is so important to make sure you see a Central London dentist every six-months. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth to make sure that you are not missing any crucial spots where plaque is getting the upper hand. After all, it is almost impossible to know if you if you are cleaning all parts of your teeth thoroughly. You dentist or the dental hygienist will then be able to carry out a deep clean using techniques called scaling and polishing, if it is required. This involves using a small scaling hook to remove any plaque or hardened tartar that poses a threat to your tooth enamel. Scaling can be a little uncomfortable but is rarely anything more than that.

Once the teeth have been thoroughly scaled they can then be polished using a mechanical rotating polisher. This removes any residual plaque from the surface of the teeth. This makes the teeth smooth and makes it more difficult for bacteria and plaque to stick to them. In this way scaling and polishing are used as preventive dentistry measures, returning your teeth to the cleanest state they can be and leaving it to you to see that they stay that way. Effective cleaning and polishing can leave your teeth feeling very clean and give them valuable protection against future dental problems.

The terms scaling and polishing can sound scary especially when you know it’s happening at the dentist. In a recent survey, over 90 per cent of people in Britain admitted to having some fear of the dentist. The reality is however, that scaling and polishing are relatively painless procedures and could prevent years of dental health problems in the future that really will be painful.

Scaling is the process of using hand tools to remove built up plaque that has hardened into tartar and calculus. This usually takes place near the gum line and on the back-side of teeth which are areas often overlooked during tooth brushing. The procedure can hardly be called a pleasant one, but it should not involve any pain if performed correctly by a Central London dentist. For many patients it is the noise and sensation that are slightly unpleasant rather than any feeling of pain. However scaling is one of the most important procedures in dental hygiene and can prevent cavities even at a late stage of plaque build up.

Polishing is the process of using an electronic, rubber-tipped tool to polish teeth once all cleaning work has been done. This is a painless procedure and only involves some mild tickling sensations. Polishing and scaling can leave your teeth feeling extremely clean and fresh. It prevents discolouration and cavities occurring to damage the appearance of your teeth and makes your teeth look cleaner, whiter and healthier.