Dental Scaling
Is dental scaling really necessary?
This fact sheet explains the two most common forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is inflammation that affects the gums only. Plaque causes the gums to become red, swollen and tender. The gums bleed easily when you brush. Gingivitis is reversible, however, if it is not treated, it may lead to the more serious condition of periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a severe and irreversible form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes a deep inflammation of the gums that affects the bone holding the teeth in place. Periodontitis usually progresses slowly and is often painless. If left untreated, periodontitis may destroy the attachment that holds the tooth in the bone leaving a space or ‘pocket’ where more bacteria can collect and cause permanent bone loss. The teeth loosen and may eventually be lost.
Signs and Symptoms:
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
•bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
•bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
•redness and swelling
•gums that are receding
•sensitive teeth, and/or
•loose teeth.
Treatment:
Long-term success can be achieved through a combination of daily
plaque removal at home and regular monitoring and cleaning by your
dental professional. Your dental professional will help you develop an
effective tooth cleaning method and remove calculus from around the
tooth and from the root surface (scaling). Professional cleaning is a
fundamental part of treating any gum disease. Treatment may need to be completed over a number of appointments. Treatment should not be postponed.
Transmission:
The major cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque. This colourless,
sticky film contains millions of bacteria, and constantly forms on
teeth. As you age, your teeth are more at risk from gum disease than
other conditions.
Factors that contribute to gum disease
•Plaque that is not removed daily may build up and harden to form dental calculus (tartar). Calculus builds up above and below the gums and cannot be removed by a toothbrush. If calculus is present, the teeth
cannot be properly cleaned.
•Poorly shaped fillings, partial dentures, crowns and bridges can make it very difficult to remove plaque.
•Some conditions can make existing periodontitis worse (eg. pregnancy, diabetes and immune disorders).
•Smoking makes periodontitis worse and may camouflage the problem by reducing blood supply to the gums.
Prevention:
•Brush and floss every day to remove plaque.
•Visit your dental professional regularly.
•Partial dentures need to be carefully designed and should only be made
after periodontitis has been treated. In most cases, partial dentures
should not be worn while sleeping.
Health outcome:
Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Tooth loss due to gum disease is not an inevitable result of ageing.
