How Often Should You Get Scaling?
Reviewed by drg. Nama Dokter G, Sp.Perio
Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms on your teeth every day. If it is not cleaned away, it can harden into tartar (calculus) that clings to the teeth and around the gums.
Why does tartar need to be removed?
Ordinary brushing cannot remove tartar. Its rough surface makes it easier for new plaque to stick, so gums can become inflamed, bleed easily, and cause bad breath.
Left untreated, gum inflammation can progress to periodontal disease, which damages the tissues that support the teeth.
How many times a year?
For most people, scaling is recommended every 6 months alongside a routine check-up. People who build up tartar quickly, smokers, or people with braces may need it more often, as advised by their dentist.
Keeping your teeth clean afterwards
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth with floss, and limit sugary food and drinks. These habits slow down new tartar build-up.
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist.
