Accidental Fact: Scaling. What do you need it for?

Assalam 'Alayk everybody. It's been so long ago since the last post ay?

So today, we're gonna let you know the importance of scaling and the implications of unscaled dentition.

Some of us might have experienced scaling procedure done in dental clinics. And some of us probably never. *sigh*

What is Scaling?

Dental scaling is the process of removing plaque (tahi gigi) and calculus (tartar) from teeth by using manual hand-held instruments or ultrasonic dental scaler (cavitron).

Why Scaling?

Oral cavity is an environment which is constantly bathed in saliva. While the saliva can provide protection against tooth decay, when comes into contact with tooth, however, is able to build plaque (tahi gigi) through incorporation of bacterial and nutrient molecules.

Advanced with time, plaque will be hardened through seepage of calcium into the plaque layer. This hardened plaque is known as CALCULUS.

It is very difficult to remove calculus once it is established on teeth surfaces. Hence, a method of removing calculus must be developed - that is scaling.

Note the chalky-white deposits at the back of the incisors. Those are not food debris. They're CALCULUSSSS!!!! AAARRRRGGHH!!! *running back and forth*

How Do Dentists Scale?

There are 2 methods for scaling: manual scaling and ultrasonic scaling.

Manual Hand-held Scaler

Don't worry. They don't cause pain as they look.

These type of scalers are used to remove visible calculus buildup on tooth surface.

Ultrasonic Scaler (Cavitron)

This type of scaler is usually used to remove calculus in the gingival pockets. It is a vibratory device.

I DON'T WANT TO SCALE. SO WHAT?

But why don;t you want to scale?

Because I Think My Dentition is All Clean. Any Problem With That?

So that means you are fully aware that you are not going to get these:

GINGIVITIS

PERIODONTITIS

*some images are gruesome. Parental guidance is advised*

I should have put the caution earlier *sigh*

ACTUALLY I'M AFRAID TO GO TO THE DENTIST. WAAAAAA!!!!!!

LOL.

Signing Out,

Filani Fauzi

accidental NEWS : Progress of Our New Building

Assalamu'alaikum and very good day.

So, everyone seems so happy enjoying his/her holiday to the fullest ay?

You know, while you're happily sleeping at home, our new Kulliyyah is coming closer to its completion! Yeay!

So far the percentage of the progress can't be ascertained yet, but you can see huge differences as compared to few months ago.

68th MDA AGM & TRADE EXIHIBITION

Assalamualaikum. Here are the details of the programme. There are several activities :

1) Here is the copy of the registration form, just an overview of the price for separate activities. Don't need to fill it individually as it is a collective form for each university. If interested in any event, pls contact Bro. Fikri (4th year) at 0134013906.

Conference for Dental Student is RM200. Pre-Congress Conference is optional and charged separately according to the topic/speaker as stated above.

Besides the main congress, there are events such as :

1. 1Malaysia 1Dental Family Night (11th June) - RM200
2. Golf Tournament (8th June) - RM200
3. Informal Night (10th June) - RM40

Tentative of the congress are as follows :

2) Dental Students GALA DINNER 2011 : Held in Bora Ombak, Ampang KL on 11th June. RM45 each with the theme "Costume Party".

3) Amazing Race : 12th June 2011 (refer tentative)

They also provide hotel booking service (optional) :

Also refer to MDA official website for more info.

Or view in PDF

Any inquiries or if you are interested, contact Bro. Fikri (4th Year). Thank you.

Salam.

accidental FACT: Pregnancy and Oral Health.

It is often that pregnant women neglect oral health and dental check-ups. But do you know that your body experiences lots of changes during pregnancy? Not only increase in appetite but also increase in hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone 10 times than the usual level!

How does these hormones act?

Estrogen and progesterone causes increase in blood circulation throughout the whole body including oral cavity and therefore subjected to various inflammations and infections.

Without proper oral hygiene, many conditions can affect health of pregnant woman, for example pregnancy gingivitis, pregnancy tumor and gingival enlargement.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

It is no different from non-pregnancy gingivitis, where you'll experience redness, inflammation and bleeding gums on probe. This usually occurs in 30-100% of pregnancy, mainly during 2nd month and at its peak at 8th month of pregnancy. But it usually subsides after delivery.

Pregnancy Tumor

Also called as Pregnancy Granuloma, reported occurs in 2-10% of pregnancy. They are not cancerous but can bring sense of discomfort. It appears as red or purple growth, and may cause spontaneous bleeding. Often develops  during 2nd trimester but tapers off after delivery also.

Gingival Enlargement

Overgrowth of gums that may cover the teeth, but occurs less than pregnancy gingivitis and granuloma. This might be due to heightened response to bacteria in the mouth.

Tooth Erosion

Dentists might detect erosion of enamel layer in pregnant women that have severe morning sickness. High acidity content is harmful to oral structures, especially the teeth structures.


What are the Causes?

The answer is simple. Poor oral hygiene may cause accumulation of plaque in areas that are hard to reach by normal toothbrushing. Therefore good practices like flossing, non-alcohol mouthwash are really useful to prevent such conditions. Professional cleaning (i.e scaling) by dentists not only removes plaque and calculus effectively, but also early detection and prevention of  oral diseases can be done.


On the other hand, prevalence of  dental caries can also increase due to increase of appetite, especially cravings of sweet food and drinks. Meanwhile if the expecting mother craves for sour and acidic food, erosion of tooth surfaces may occur and lead to tooth sensitivity. Choose healthy food like vegetables, honey and fruits as substitute for sweet foods. Green apples are said to help reduce dental plaque formation.


Take good care of your health and your baby! :)