{"id":1525,"date":"2025-02-24T18:47:57","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T10:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/scaling-faq-must-know-facts-about-tartar-removal\/"},"modified":"2025-07-10T21:53:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T13:53:45","slug":"scaling-faq-must-know-facts-about-tartar-removal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/scaling-faq-must-know-facts-about-tartar-removal\/","title":{"rendered":"Scaling FAQ: Must-Know Facts about Tartar Removal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/dentist-shows-how-to-brush-your-teeth-oral-hygien-2025-01-07-22-14-13-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1305 lazyload\" title=\"\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"5475\" height=\"3655\" src=\"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/dentist-shows-how-to-brush-your-teeth-oral-hygien-2025-01-07-22-14-13-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1305 lazyload\" title=\"\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scaling is an important step for maintaining oral health, but different types of scaling are suited to different needs. In general, dental clinics offer both regular and deep cleaning (scaling) services. So, what\u2019s the difference? When should you choose deep cleaning? This article explains the details to help you choose the right cleaning method and prevent the onset and worsening of<\/span><b>periodontal disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>1. What is regular scaling?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular scaling mainly cleans tartar and plaque from the tooth surface. It is preventive care and is usually recommended every <\/span><b>6 months<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><b>A. Steps of regular scaling<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Ultrasonic tartar removal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Using an ultrasonic scaler to loosen and remove tartar and plaque from the teeth.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Polishing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If there are many stains\/plaque, Ace Dental dentists will polish the teeth to make the surface smoother, reduce plaque attachment, and lower the risk of <\/span><b>periodontal disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Fluoride application (optional, extra charge)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Helps strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><b>B. Who is regular scaling for?<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with good oral health and no signs of periodontal disease.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mainly for preventing <\/span><b>tartar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> buildup and maintaining oral cleanliness.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those with mild gingivitis but not yet severe periodontitis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size has-large-font-size is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=85268083638&amp;text&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Book Treatment<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>2. What is deep cleaning (deep scaling)?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When tartar builds up under the gums, it can lead to periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Deep cleaning, also called periodontal therapy, is aimed at treating periodontal disease by removing tartar and bacteria below the gum line to prevent worsening inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><b>A. Steps of deep cleaning<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Subgingival scaling (deep cleaning):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Special periodontal curettes are used to clean tartar and bacteria from the root surface under the gums, reducing the risk of <\/span><b>periodontal disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> progression.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Pocket irrigation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Antibacterial solutions are used to rinse periodontal pockets and reduce infection risk.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Root planing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The root surface is smoothed to prevent bacteria from re-adhering and reduce the risk of <\/span><b>periodontal disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recurrence.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Follow-up and further treatment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Periodontal patients may require several deep cleanings and additional treatments (such as medication or surgery).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><b>B. Who is deep cleaning for?<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with periodontal disease (e.g. red\/swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath, or loose teeth).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe tartar buildup affecting gum health.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dentist finds deep pockets where regular scaling can\u2019t remove all the tartar.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>\u00a0<\/td><td><b>Regular Scaling<\/b><\/td><td><b>Deep Cleaning<\/b><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><b>Purpose<\/b><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Removes tartar and plaque from tooth surfaces<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleans tartar and bacteria deep under the gums and in periodontal pockets<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><b>Who it&#8217;s for<\/b><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy mouths, preventive cleaning<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with periodontal disease, gum inflammation, or deep pockets<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><b>Cleaning Area<\/b><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tooth surfaces and gum margins<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the gums, in periodontal pockets, and root surfaces<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><b>Will it feel uncomfortable?<\/b><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild discomfort or sensitivity (usually tolerable)<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May be more uncomfortable; local anesthesia may be provided<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><b>Frequency<\/b><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every 6 months<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depends on severity; usually requires several sessions<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><b>Treatment Time<\/b><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About 30\u201345 minutes<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May take 1\u20132 hours, and may be scheduled in multiple sessions<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size has-large-font-size is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=85268083638&amp;text&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Book Your Periodontal Treatment Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/patient-of-a-dental-clinic-getting-some-water-to-r-2023-11-27-05-37-16-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1306 lazyload\" title=\"\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"6571\" height=\"4381\" src=\"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/patient-of-a-dental-clinic-getting-some-water-to-r-2023-11-27-05-37-16-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1306 lazyload\" title=\"\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>3. Does scaling damage teeth?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people worry that scaling will damage their teeth. In fact, scaling does not harm teeth or enamel. On the contrary, it is crucial for keeping teeth healthy.<\/span><b>Ace Dental dentists<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> emphasize that proper scaling not only does not harm your teeth, but also helps prevent gum disease and improves appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><b>A. Common misconceptions<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myth 1: Scaling abrades the tooth surface\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0In reality, scaling targets only tartar and plaque, not enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and the tools used in scaling do not damage it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myth 2: Scaling causes tooth sensitivity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Sensitivity after scaling is usually due to previously covered surfaces or roots being exposed after tartar is removed. This sensitivity is temporary and usually disappears within a few days.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>B. Benefits of scaling<\/b><\/h4>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevents periodontal disease, avoiding tooth mobility or loss.\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improves appearance by removing surface stains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removes tartar, reducing the risk of gingivitis and bad breath.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any concerns, the <\/span><b>Ace Dental dentist<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> team will provide detailed examinations and advice to help you better understand your oral health status.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size has-large-font-size is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=85268083638&amp;text&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Book a Checkup<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/doctor-hygienist-holds-model-dentition-with-braces-2023-11-27-05-12-19-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1307 lazyload\" title=\"\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"6812\" height=\"4541\" src=\"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/doctor-hygienist-holds-model-dentition-with-braces-2023-11-27-05-12-19-utc-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1307 lazyload\" title=\"\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>4. How does tartar form?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tartar forms through several stages, mainly due to plaque buildup and mineral deposits from saliva. If plaque is not removed in time, it gradually hardens into tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with regular brushing or rinsing.<\/span><b>Ace Dental dentists<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommend regular professional scaling to thoroughly remove tartar and prevent further impact on oral health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><b>A. Plaque buildup\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria on tooth surfaces. After eating, especially sugary or starchy foods, bacteria feed and quickly form plaque. If not removed promptly, plaque attaches to tooth surfaces and gum margins.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><b>B. The mineralization process\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If plaque is not removed for a long time, it combines with minerals in saliva (such as phosphate and calcium) and gradually hardens into tartar. This process takes about 24-72 hours, and once formed, tartar adheres firmly to the teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><b>C. Where does tartar form?<\/b><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tartar usually forms in these areas:\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gum margins: the most common place for tartar, especially on the tongue side.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the gums: When gum health is impaired, tartar can form beneath the gums, increasing the risk of gum disease.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><b>D. Factors affecting tartar formation<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Oral hygiene: Irregular or insufficient brushing\/flossing increases plaque and tartar risk.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Diet: High-sugar or high-carb diets feed plaque bacteria.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Saliva composition: People with higher mineral content in their saliva are more prone to tartar.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Smoking: Smokers\u2019 plaque hardens more easily into tartar, which is usually darker.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Oral health: If you have gum disease or oral inflammation, tartar may form faster.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size has-x-large-font-size is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=85268083638&amp;text&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>5. The relationship between tartar and bad breath<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tartar not only affects appearance but is closely related to bad breath. If not removed, it acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, causing oral odor.<\/span><b>Ace Dental dentists<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> point out that tartar buildup is the root of many breath issues, and removing it promptly can help improve breath.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><b>A. How tartar affects breath<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial growth: The rough surface of tartar harbors bacteria, which release foul odors.\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Periodontal disease: Tartar can cause gum disease, leading to bleeding gums and worse breath.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><b>B. Tips to prevent bad breath<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular scaling: Get professional cleaning every 6 months.\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brush and floss daily to maintain oral cleanliness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid smoking and excessive coffee\/tea, which promote tartar formation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>6. How to prevent tartar formation?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although you can&#8217;t completely avoid tartar, simple oral care habits can effectively reduce its formation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><b>A. Daily oral care<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Proper brushing: At least twice daily, especially morning and night.\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use dental floss: Floss removes food debris and plaque from between teeth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mouthwash: Use fluoride mouthwash to help reduce plaque buildup.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p><b>B. Balanced diet<\/b><\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce sugar intake to avoid rapid bacterial growth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat more fiber-rich foods to help clean tooth surfaces.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><b>C. Regular dental checkups<\/b><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><b>The Ace Dental expert team<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommends a dental exam and scaling every 6 months to detect and manage any oral problems early.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size has-large-font-size is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=85268083638&amp;text&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Book Dental Checkup<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>7. Conclusion: Scale regularly to prevent gum disease!<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether regular or deep scaling, removing tartar is vital for oral health. Ignoring tartar buildup can cause gum inflammation and even loose teeth. It&#8217;s recommended to have professional scaling every 6 months and to choose the right type as advised by your dentist.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re unsure if you need deep cleaning, or want regular professional cleaning, feel free to contact the <\/span><b>Ace Dental<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dental team. We&#8217;ll provide you with a professional checkup and a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><b>Contact us anytime to book your scaling service!<\/b><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size has-large-font-size is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=85268083638&amp;text&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Book Scaling<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scaling is an important step for maintaining oral health, but different types of scaling are suited to different needs. In general, dental clinics offer both regular and deep cleaning (scaling) services. So, what\u2019s the difference? When should you choose deep cleaning? This article explains the details to help you choose the right cleaning method and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1453,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1525","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1525"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1525\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1526,"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1525\/revisions\/1526"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acedental.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}