09/07/2025
Most people believe that brushing twice a day is enough to maintain good oral health. But what many don’t realize is that brushing alone can’t remove hardened deposits that form over time. These yellowish layers near the gumline — known as tartar or calculus — are made of mineralized plaque. Once formed, no toothpaste or home remedy can remove them.
Tartar builds up silently. It creates rough surfaces that trap more bacteria and food debris, which leads to inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, this can progress to gum disease, bone loss, and eventually, tooth mobility or loss. The earliest signs are often ignored — mild bleeding while brushing, persistent bad breath, or slight gum recession. But these are not normal. They are warning signs.
That’s why professional dental cleaning — also called scaling and polishing — is recommended at least twice a year. It’s not a luxury procedure. It’s preventive care. Scaling removes tartar deposits from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, while polishing helps smooth the enamel surface, making it harder for plaque to reattach.
Beyond the mouth, gum infections are linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes complications, and even certain respiratory conditions. The connection between oral health and overall health is stronger than ever, backed by decades of research.
If you haven’t had a cleaning in the past six months, it may be time. Not because of pain — but to prevent it from ever starting. Prevention is always more comfortable, more affordable, and more effective than treatment.
