Teeth scaling, also known as teeth cleaning, is a procedure done for the removal of plaque, tartar (or calculus), and stains from the tooth surface. Everybody needs to get teeth scaling done by their dentist once every six months to prevent gum and periodontal diseases, and also maintain the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.

In cases of gum and periodontal diseases, teeth scaling is done along with the root planing procedure. This is known as deep cleaning, in which the gums are opened to remove plaque accumulation and elimination of biofilm development. The root surface of the tooth as well. This is a procedure by which a detailed scaling of the root surface is performed to decrease the gum inflammation.

Teeth scaling have numerous benefits:-

• Teeth scaling will remove the plaque accumulation on the tooth surface and thus help in preventing gum and periodontal diseases caused by plaque formation.
• The external stains on the tooth surface are removed by dental scaling, giving it an aesthetic appearance.
• Dental scaling helps in preventing bad breath and odour caused by plaque accumulation.
• In patients with bone loss, dental scaling helps in avoiding further damage to the bone.
• In cases of chronic periodontal diseases, dental scaling and root planing are both done to reduce the pocket gap between the gums and the teeth. This will reduce the chances of soft tissue loss, bone loss, and tooth loss.

• The procedure can start with the application of the local anesthesia first to prevent any kind of discomfort to the patient, especially in cases having a considerable amount of plaque. In cases with very little plaque and stains, local anesthesia may not be required.
• The dentist then uses an ultrasonic scaler, which is an instrument sending vibrations to the teeth to loosen and remove the large plaque deposits. This instrument simultaneously emits water to wash the debris away during the procedure.
• The dentist may then use the hand scalers which come in different sizes. Although the use of hand scalers is more time-consuming than an ultrasonic scaler, it gives more control to the dentist and is helpful in the removal of smaller deposits interdentally, and also reach deeper areas where an ultrasonic scaler cannot reach.
• After the procedure of teeth scaling, the dentist will polish the teeth using a handpiece equipped with a cup filled with soft rubber. The polishing paste (which usually contains fluoride) is then placed on the rubber cup. The dentist will then apply this polishing paste on the teeth using the handpiece. The patient is asked to rinse thoroughly once the polishing is over.
• Some dentists instruct the patient to avoid eating or drinking anything half an hour or one hour after the procedure.