Does Scaling Damage Your Teeth? Does It Hurt, and How Often Should It Be Done

Professional tartar removal (scaling) does not damage your teeth. It removes the hardened deposits on the tooth surface; it does not wear away enamel or make teeth thinner. The procedure is usually painless. If the gums are very inflamed or deposits have spread below the gum line, there may be mild discomfort, and the area can be numbed if needed. For most people a check-up and cleaning every 6 months is enough. People with gum disease need shorter intervals.

What Is Tartar and Why Should It Be Removed?

Bacterial plaque constantly builds up on the surfaces of the teeth. Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing hardens with minerals from saliva and turns into tartar (calculus). Tartar cannot be brushed off, and because its surface is rough, even more plaque sticks to it.

Tartar that is not removed can lead to:

• Gum inflammation and gums that bleed when you brush or on their own,
• Bad breath,
• Over time, gum recession and loss of the bone that supports the teeth (periodontitis).

Scaling is therefore not a cosmetic procedure but preventive treatment for gum health. For more detail, see our article on bleeding gums.

Does Scaling Damage Your Teeth?

Scaling uses ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove only tartar and stains. Healthy enamel is not worn away.

The common complaint "after cleaning my teeth felt thinner, loose or gappy" usually has this explanation: tartar was covering the gaps between the teeth and the receded gums. Once it is removed, these gaps become visible. In other words, the gaps are not caused by the cleaning; they were already there. This is a sign that gum disease has progressed and needs treatment.

Does It Hurt?

If the gums are healthy and there is little build-up, the procedure is painless. You may feel vibration, water and mild twinges. If the gums are inflamed, some bleeding during cleaning is normal and decreases as the gums heal. If deposits have spread below the gum line, a deeper cleaning (root planing) is needed, and it is done with the area numbed.

For 1-2 days after cleaning, teeth may be sensitive to cold and heat, especially where roots are exposed. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoiding very cold or very hot food for a few days helps.

How Often Should It Be Done?

The general recommendation is a check-up every 6 months, with cleaning if needed. Tartar build-up varies greatly from person to person. Smokers, people with diabetes, people who have had gum disease treatment and those in orthodontic treatment may need cleaning every 3-4 months. Your dentist sets the interval based on the condition of your gums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it tartar or decay?

Tartar usually appears as a hard, yellowish or brown deposit on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth and along the gum line. Decay is a breakdown of the tooth itself and may look like a brown or black spot or a cavity. They are not always easy to tell apart; an examination will show which it is.

Can scaling be done during pregnancy?

Yes. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can increase gum inflammation, so cleaning is recommended during this time. The second trimester is usually the most comfortable period.

Who needs extra care?

People taking blood thinners, people with a pacemaker, those with heart valve disease and those with uncontrolled diabetes should tell their dentist before cleaning. In most cases cleaning can still be done; the method and any preparation are planned accordingly.

The founding dentist of our clinic, Dt. Nergiz Hamamcı, is a specialist in periodontology (gum diseases). For more on tartar and gum health, see our scaling and gum treatment pages. To book an examination at our clinic in Güvenevler, Çankaya, call +90 540 640 6006.

This article is for general information only. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are made by your dentist after an examination.