Plaque consists of bacteria and left over food. When it is not removed, it hardens and becomes calculus which is not easily removed by tooth brush and floss. The presence of plaque and calculus left on teeth creates a conducive condition for bacteria to thrive and can be injurious to the health of the teeth and gums making the gums bleed more easily.

Bleeding gums describe the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Patients with gum diseases the dentist recommends dental scaling. The process involves removing stubborn plaques and tartar settled on the surface of the teeth so that healthy gums can be restored. The essence of scaling and root planning, also known as non-surgical periodontal therapy and dental prophylaxis is to remove etiologic agents.

Scaling involves removing calculus (also known as tartar) and plaque from the gum line; this is the first step in the treatment of gum disease while root planning entails cleaning between the teeth and gums down to the roots, during which there might be need to numb the area using local anesthesia.

Root planning treats infection in the gums by making the root surfaces of the teeth smooth using thin curettes (a spoon shaped instrument) to enable gum tissue reattach firmly to clean roots. The rough spots are smoothened and this process would help to prevent tooth loss and problems of sensitivity. If the rough spots are smoothened by this process the area would not attract or trap bacteria thus preventing gum diseases. The process would make the patient a little uncomfortable but it does not cause any sensation of pain.

During the both procedures (Scaling and Root planning), dental instruments are used to scrape away deposits from the teeth. Sometimes the device used may be electric; this refers to an ultrasonic scaler which some patients might find uncomfortable in comparison to hand instruments.

While vibrating, ultrasonic scalers break down bacteria cell membranes thereby removing a lot of plaque and calculus. The device can also be powered by an air driven turbine; this describes a sonic scaler, which also vibrates. These tools remove even the toughest and hardest plaques deposited on the tooth surfaces.

The risk involved in scaling and root planning is that harmful bacteria can be introduced into the blood stream during root planning and the gum tissue can be infected thereby creating more complications. In addition to this, useful and healthy tissues get removed in the process. Before performing this dental procedure it is essential that the dentist enquire about the patient’s health history. There are possibility for the bacteria to enter the blood stream hence risk is involved especial for those who are suffering from liver diseases, heart problems or any other critical diseases.

Following the procedure, the dentist places antibiotic fibres in the pocket between the gums and teeth to help the patient heal faster. To deal with discomfort, sores and pains after the procedure, the dentist may recommend ibuprofen. The dentist may also recommend soft brushing or better still, an antiseptic mouth rinse or salt water rinses. The best way to healthy gingivae, however, is a good oral hygiene, follow through and you won’t need periodontal treatment or have to worry about gum disease.