Why do my gums bleed?
Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, or inflammation of your gums. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. This may appear in the form of irritated, red, or swollen gums which may also bleed when you brush your teeth.
If you notice any signs and symptoms of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with our dentists promptly. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing damage from gingivitis and preventing its progression to periodontitis.
How often do I have to do scaling and polishing?
Even though we all brush and floss our teeth twice daily to our best efforts, a regular checkup and dental clean will reduce your chances of getting cavities or gum disease by significantly reducing the amount of plaque and calculus in your mouth. Regular dental visitors are also less likely to need a filling or have a tooth removed.
Most patients should ideally see a dentist for scaling and polishing every 6-12 months but some people at higher risk of developing dental problems should visit more often.
Is it painful to do scaling and polishing?
Scaling and polishing is generally not painful for most patients. However it can be uncomfortable for some patients who have sensitive teeth or inflamed gum tissues. We do recommend patients discuss with our dentists regarding options available such as desensitising or local anesthesia, especially if they are concerned about sensitivity or pain during scaling and polishing.
Why do I have a lot of stains on my teeth?
Staining on teeth are typically due to what we eat and drink, ageing, and tooth injuries. Tooth discolouration is common and can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons. It is usually caused by pigmented food and beverages such as coffee and red wine, as well as tobacco products. Regular checkups and cleanings can often help to reduce the appearance of stains and spots on the surface of your teeth. Discolouration within teeth, known as intrinsic stains, can be caused by tooth decay, trauma, or medication. It is important to address such issues early so as to prevent future complications and obtain better outcomes.
How long does the treatment take?
Our appointments are typically 30 minutes which allows our dentists to do a full mouth checkup and clean. However it depends on the amount of plaque, calculus and stains on your teeth. For patients who have a larger buildup or have not visited the dentist in a long time, more time may be required to perform a thorough cleaning.