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Dental scaling reduces the risk of a toothache, tissue loss and bone loss associated with chronic periodontal disease. Dental scaling also helps reduce pain and teeth sensitivity issues. It also protects the teeth from gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

A person with a sticking film of bacteria in the mouth, also called plaque, or a patient suffering from any gum disease requires scaling. It is also needed when the pockets between the teeth and gums are very deep. Dental scaling is done in patients with bacterial plaques that may cause inflammation.

After scaling, the patient may have pain for 1-2 days and teeth sensitivity for one week to prevent further infection. A dentist prescribes a mouth rinse and tablet. Special care should be taken:
Brushing teeth twice a day
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Cleaning properly between the teeth daily while brushing
Avoiding tobacco use

While performing dental scaling, the dentist may induce local anaesthesia and numb the area to be treated. In a few cases, medication is also available so that the procedure can be painless.

Diabetes causes oral problems, such as dry mouth and thrush. Dental scaling treatment is possible in a diabetic patient as it reduces tumour necrosis factor-a levels, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which elevates the glucose concentration in diabetes and improves glycaemic control.