A scaling/cleaning is a dental procedure that is performed to help reduce the risk of gum and tooth disease. Also known simply as a prophylaxis, this procedure is recommended to be taken every six months or yearly, depending on a patient’s history.
During a dental prophylaxis, your dentist will also inspect your teeth and jaw for any obvious signs of ill health. This inspection may reveal underlying medical issues such as receding gums, erupting wisdom teeth, dental cavities, or even oral cancer – some of which will require immediate treatment. Early identification of dental problems can help you deal with them before they become serious.