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Oral Care & Tartar Removal

Why is tartar removal (dental scaling) important? Expert physician insights and clinical benefits on gum bleeding, halitosis treatment, and polishing procedures.

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Pediatric dentist · Prepared by the dentist

Oral Care and Tartar Removal (Scaling and Polishing)

In our clinical practice, tartar removal (scaling), the most fundamental step of preventive dentistry, is an indispensable medical procedure for the sustainability of oral health and gum integrity. Bacterial plaque that cannot be removed from the mouth with daily brushing and flossing hardens over time as minerals in saliva precipitate and forms tartar (calculus), which adheres firmly to the tooth surface. These hard deposits are the primary cause of gum diseases (periodontal diseases).

Our aim is to remove these harmful deposits using ultrasonic devices and special hand instruments without causing any damage to the tooth enamel, and to obtain a healthy, non-bleeding, anatomically shaped (light pink) gum profile by stopping gingivitis and jawbone loss (periodontitis) before they begin.

In Which Clinical Conditions Do We Apply It?

  • As required by the routine preventive care protocol, every 6 months even if there are no complaints,

  • In cases of gum bleeding during tooth brushing, biting into hard foods such as apples, or spontaneous gum bleeding,

  • When yellow/brown hard layers are observed especially on the inner (tongue-facing) surfaces of the teeth and at the gum line,

  • In the presence of chronic bad breath (halitosis) caused by gum inflammation,

  • In cases of soreness/sensitivity starting with gum recession and the resulting exposure of root surfaces.

What Are the Clinical Benefits?

  • Protection of Periodontal Tissue: By stopping inflammation in the gums at the cellular level, it prevents the destruction of the supporting tissues that attach the teeth to the jawbone and prevents future tooth loss.

  • Contribution to Systemic Health: By eliminating the chronic bacterial focus in the mouth, it prevents these bacteria from spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream. It indirectly supports the protection of cardiovascular health and keeping diabetes under control.

  • Smooth and Aesthetic Enamel Surface: Thanks to the polishing procedure (professional brushing and paste polishing) performed after tartar removal, superficial discolorations (pigmentation) caused by tea, coffee, and tobacco are removed. The smoothed enamel gains mechanical resistance against new bacterial accumulation.

Contrary to common misconceptions in society, tartar removal performed with the correct technique by a specialist physician does not scratch the enamel or thin the teeth; it is a basic treatment that removes the pathogenic (harmful) load on the tooth. The permanence of this procedure depends directly on the daily oral hygiene routines (proper brushing technique and interdental cleaning) that our patient will apply at home.

Frequently asked questions

As soon as the first baby tooth erupts, you can start brushing twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush.

Up to age 3, a rice-grain-sized amount, and between ages 3–6, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is sufficient. Make sure your child does not swallow the toothpaste.

Gum bleeding is often a sign of gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. Do not stop brushing; with regular and gentle brushing, it usually subsides. If it continues, come in for an examination.

Yes; it is seen more often especially in teenagers and in those who wear braces. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing; professional cleaning is necessary.

In children under 6, mouthwash is generally not recommended due to the risk of swallowing. In older children, it should only be used on a physician’s recommendation and with age-appropriate products. Mouthwash does not replace brushing and flossing.

When used correctly, both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective. An electric toothbrush may be more motivating for some children; what matters is brushing all surfaces twice a day for about two minutes.

The most common cause is plaque accumulating on the tongue surface and between the teeth. Nasal congestion and mouth breathing can also cause bad breath. If it persists despite regular brushing, we will investigate the cause together during an examination.

The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace an examination. Please talk to your dentist for advice specific to your child.