Does Teeth Cleaning Cause Teeth Loosening?
Posted on July 13, 2025 by Dr Snehal
The idea that "teeth cleaning causes teeth loosening" is a common myth that many people believe. This misconception often leads to a lack of attention to dental hygiene among much of the Indian population. As a result, many individuals find themselves relying on complete dentures by the time they reach their 50s or 60s. Fortunately, with modern technology and increased awareness of oral care, more people are beginning to understand the importance of maintaining their natural teeth over opting for artificial dentures. Therefore, proper dental maintenance plays a crucial role in overall oral health.
What is Teeth Cleaning/Scaling?
Teeth scaling is a mechanical process used to remove tartar, calculus, plaque, and stains from the teeth and gums to ensure they are clean and infection-free. This procedure is performed using an ultrasonic scaler, which utilizes vibratory forces along with water and air to clean the tooth surfaces. A dental hygienist or dentist should carry out this procedure.
What is Plaque/Tartar?
When we eat, a micro layer of food particles remains on the tooth surface, forming what is known as plaque. If we don’t rinse or clean our teeth after eating, this plaque can mineralize with saliva and harden into tartar. While plaque can typically be removed by proper brushing, tartar is more challenging to eliminate and requires professional scaling. Tartar usually appears as a yellowish or brownish hard layer at the junction of the tooth and gums.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Tartar Regularly?
Tartar can hold onto your tooth, but it gradually begins to resorb the jawbone beneath it. Consistent gum infections can lead to issues such as gum bleeding, bad breath, pus formation in the gums, severe sensitivity, pain, and, in severe cases, tooth mobility. Tartar buildup can also contribute to systemic health issues, including bacterial endocarditis, lung infections, and arthritis. After scaling, if there has been significant tartar buildup, your teeth may feel slightly mobile for a short time. However, once the source of infection is removed, blood supply to the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone improves, and tooth firmness typically returns within one to two weeks. Therefore, instead of waiting for years to remove tartar buildup, it is advisable to have professional teeth scaling done at least once a year. It is completely safe.
Why is Polishing Done After Scaling?
Following scaling, the surfaces of the teeth can become rough, which may cause plaque to adhere more quickly and contribute to faster tartar formation. For this reason, polishing after scaling is essential. A fluoridated prophylactic paste is used during polishing, making the surfaces smooth and polished, which creates a self-cleansing surface. Additionally, fluoride helps strengthen teeth and gums.
Post-Scaling Care:
Scaling and polishing can deeply clean your gums, which may lead to mild to moderate sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods in some patients. This sensitivity is common and usually resolves within 7 to 10 days. During this time, it is advisable to avoid triggering factors.
Investing in annual teeth scaling and polishing is worthwhile for your oral and overall health.