Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It builds up from the combination of food particles, saliva, and bacteria in your mouth. While daily brushing and flossing help remove plaque, areas that are harder to clean (such as below the gumline and between teeth) may still accumulate plaque over time.

If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar (dental calculus), which cannot be removed with brushing alone. Tartar buildup can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis.

This is where dental scaling comes in. Scaling is a professional cleaning procedure that effectively removes both soft plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth, especially in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Regular scaling is essential to prevent the harmful effects of long-term plaque buildup, such as gum inflammation, tooth decay, and eventual tooth loss.

In short, dental scaling is crucial for removing stubborn plaque and tartar, keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and preventing serious oral health problems.