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Regular tooth cleaning by the dental hygienist is recommended to remove tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for a patient to reach on his own at home. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. Most dental hygienists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months .
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Tooth scaling
This involves the mechanical use of a dental instrument that scrapes away bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth. Sometimes this device may be electric, known as an ultrasonic or sonic scaler. Scaling is performed on the part of the tooth that is exposed, the crown of the tooth, as well as the portion that is normally covered by, but not attached to, the gum. Scaling the tooth surface that is in this gum pocket is an effective treatment for early periodontal disease. At present though, there is inadequate research evidence to claim that periodic pre-emptive scaling reduces periodontal disease.
Tooth polishing
Polishing tooth surfaces is used to make these surfaces smooth which makes it more difficult for plaque and debris to accumulate on your teeth that causes decay or gum disease. Polishing is a preventive procedure used as a first-line defense against dental problems.