Wellness
One word: Ouch.
Scalingis the process ofremoving dental tartar and plaque buildupfrom the teeth, saysDr.
Victoria Veytsman, DDS,a cosmetic dentist.
Typically, a light scaling will happen during thatrecommended biannual cleaning.
Heres what dentists have to say about it.
Can You Scale Your Own Teeth?
Watch a professional tooth scaling in a dental office and youll see how much skill and technique it requires.
Not to mention youre wielding a sharp metal object another factor that gives dentists pause.
One slip of the scaler is all it takes to stab your gum.
Your teeth can also get damaged.
You canknick your enamelor chip any bonding you might have since its such a sharp instrument, Veytsman says.
I would recommend completely staying away from any sort of teeth scaling at home.
Dr. Cary Goldstein, DMD, a dentist and owner ofGoldstein Dental Care, agrees.
Studies referenced:
Baiju, RM.
Oral Health and Quality of Life: Current Concepts.
J Clin Diagn Res.
Dawes, C. (2019).
Role of Saliva and Salivary Diagnostics in the Advancement of Oral Health.
Fons-Badal, C. (2020).
Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
Tolentino Ede, S. (2011).
Saliva and tongue coating pH before and after use of mouthwashes and relationship with parameters of halitosis.
J Appl Oral Sci.
