An invisible and highly tenacious film adheres to teeth called as Dental Biofilm.The prefix “Bio” is added before the film because it consists of bacteria that may cause tooth decay or gum diseases. Previously, people referred to this adhesive biofilm as “Dental Plaque.” Brushing teeth within 12 hours removes it. If not removed, it absorbs minerals like calcium and phosphate from the saliva. Plaque that undergoes calcification becomes calcified plaque and is alled Dental Calculus. It appears as a hard, yellow-colored material. Dentists commonly call it “tartar.” It deposits visibly on the teeth.
Dental calculus not only looks ugly but encourages further plaque retention which becomes main cause of gum disease. It is not possible to remove tartar through brushing alone. A dentist can remove it using specially designed instruments. The clinical term for removing calculus is “scaling’. The dentist uses a dental scaler or curette for it. In modern dental practices, ultrasonic scalers are used for efficiency and precision. An ultrasonic scaler uses vibrations combined with a steady flow of water. Patients might feel scraping or vibration sensations, but the procedure is generally painless unless the tartar is deeply embedded or the gums are inflamed. Patients should avoid consuming hard, sticky, or extremely hot or cold foods for a few hours if the gums feel sensitive. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended if discomfort persists.
After scaling, the teeth are polished with a special paste to make the surfaces smooth and shiny. Polishing also helps remove any remaining plaque or stains.
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