110 – Can I scrape Plaque off My Teeth

Can I scrape Plaque off My Teeth?
Taking care of oral health is important for maintaining the health of the body as a whole. In this sense, periodontics, or tooth scraping, is a dental treatment indicated for the cure of inflammatory and infectious processes of the gums. Gum health is directly related to oral health, as it is the tissue that covers the bone that supports the teeth. Factors such as improper hygiene, low immunity, stress, tobacco, and poor eating habits can cause tissue fragility, leading to bacterial infections. In this article, you will have access to a complete overview of periodontal scaling, understanding how this procedure can help maintain your oral health. It is important to note that you should not attempt to scrape plaque off your teeth yourself. You can remove plaque by brushing and by visiting a dentist or oral hygienist for any scraping or periodontal scaling that you need.
What is periodontal scaling?
Periodontics is an area of ​​​​dentistry specializing in the prevention and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that support and protect the teeth (gums and bones). Periodontal diseases begin with the accumulation of bacterial plaque, followed by the formation of tartar and the evolution to gingivitis. When gingivitis is not treated properly it can progress to the stage of periodontitis, which is nothing more than an infectious process that affects the tissues of the periodontium. Tooth scraping is a periodontic treatment process that aims to remove tartar and calculus adhered to the surface of the teeth, eliminating toxins that can cause damage to the periodontium.
What is the function of this treatment?
Periodontal scaling treatment can be indicated in different degrees and situations. In general, scraping has the main purpose of:
* removes bacterial plaques and dental calculations;
* reduce the degree of oral infection;
* improve tissue health;
* cure inflammatory and/or infectious processes;
* aid in the disappearance of gingival bleeding;
* prevent diseases that cause tooth loss;
* improve the aesthetics of regions of the mouth with gingival recession.
As we can see, the treatment is indicated for different situations and is generally associated with milder degrees of gum problems. This is because, in some patients, the best option may be directly the surgical procedure.
In which situations is tooth scraping indicated?
Scraping can be an indicated treatment in situations where the patient suffers from:
* tarter buildup;
* bacterial plate;
* dental calculus;
* gingival bleeding associated with gum inflammation;
* mouth infection;
* gingival recession;
* risk of tooth loss.
However, each situation must be evaluated individually by a professional in the field of dentistry, as scraping treatments should only be performed in cases where there is really a need. It is also worth mentioning that gingival problems that are not properly treated can lead to implications such as:
* bad breath;
* smile aesthetic problems;
* bacteremia infections;
* bone loss and difficulty in prosthetic treatments;
* tooth loss.
How does tooth scraping work in practice?
The scraping procedure can only be performed by a dental professional. It can be done manually or with the use of ultrasound devices. It is not possible to objectively determine the duration of treatment and the final result, as they depend on the degree of periodontal disease. In some cases, a single periodontal session may be enough to treat the problem, in others, the professional may indicate several sessions.
In other cases, the treatment may require up to four sessions. In situations where the gum tissue is sensitive or inflamed, local anesthesia may be required. In addition, if the teeth are or are sensitive after the procedure, the professional may indicate the use of specific toothpastes. The procedure begins with an examination of the patient’s mouth. Then the dentist uses a device that has the function of removing the bacterial plate, this device removes both the tartar and the plate and the bacterial film from the surface of the teeth and also that located just below the gum line. After removal, the dentist will remove any residue that may have remained on the surface of the teeth or below the gum line.