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@article{195212,
        author = {Dr. Srishilesh kumar. S and Dr. Vijay. V. K and Dr. Deepshika Saravanan and Dr.Maria Subash Aaron M and Dr. Sujitha .S and Dr. Sriha. S},
        title = {SURVEY REGARDING THE EVALUATION OF AWARENESS AMONG GENERAL PUBLIC ON PROFESSIONAL SCALING AND ITS EFFECT ON GUM DISEASE},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {6720-6734},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=195212},
        abstract = {BACKGROUND -Gum disease is really common, and it happens when plaque builds up. Left to get worse, it causes red, swollen gums, gums pulling away from teeth, and eventually, teeth falling out. A thorough cleaning at the dentist (scaling) is a hugely important way to prevent and treat gum disease, getting rid of plaque and tartar and keeping your mouth healthy.
Unfortunately, most people don't know enough about scaling.  What’s more, lots of people think scaling will make your teeth sensitive, damage the protective coating of your teeth, or even make your teeth wobbly, and so they don’t get it done. Also, many only go to the dentist when something hurts instead of trying to avoid problems in the first place. 
Because of this, it's important to find out what the public understands, and what they believe, about scaling.  Knowing what people don't know or are wrong about will help people plan good programs to teach people about looking after their mouths and encouraging them to get preventative dental work.
AIM -To evaluate the level of awareness among the general public regarding professional scaling and its effect on gum disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS- A cross-sectional study involved the general public through questionnaire. The study incorporated individuals from different age groups and educational backgrounds as participants. A well-structured questionnaire consisting of questions related to awareness of professional scaling, knowledge about gum disease, oral hygiene practices, and common myths regarding scaling was distributed.
The questionnaire was conducted online and/or directly after getting consent from the respondents. The information gathered were compiled and analyzed by appropriate statistical methods. Researchers summarized all data using descriptive statistics. The association among awareness with different variables such as age, gender, education and more was established using the Chi-Square test.
RESULTS -The present study evaluated the awareness and perception of the general public regarding professional dental scaling and its effect on gum disease.
Out of 500 patients who were included in the study who were selected and participants, the 75.2% were aware of scaling, 17.2% were not aware and 7.6% were not sure. The most important information sources were dentists/hygienists and family/friends (32.7% each), followed internet/social media (22.8%) and others (11.8%).
When asked about scaling frequency perception, 38.7% answer is should not be once in a lifetime whereas 40.5% expressed it depends on one’s condition. Nevertheless, 19.4% were of the opinion that scaling should be done once, while 0.6% were not sure.
As far as knowledge regarding tartar removal, 52.9% correctly stated that tartar cannot be removed by brushing harder. Nevertheless, 13.8% felt that brushing could remove it and 7.0% thought he needs a special toothpaste. About 26.3% did not know.
Most participants (63.1%) agreed that if gums bleed while brushing, it indicates a gum problem. Nonetheless, 16.8% viewed it as normal, 10.6% believed it was due to hard brushing, and 9.6% responded unsure. Responses regarding perceived effect of scaling on tooth surface were varied with 34.7% reporting it does not cause harm; 33.9% reporting it does cause damage and 31.3% unsure. Likewise, 48.9% reported that scaling does not cause loosening of the tooth, while 20.4% reported that it does and 30.7% were not sure.
The 24.1% respondents believe that scaling will not cause the formation of gaps between teeth. However, more than 25.0% respondents believe that scaling will cause the formation of gaps. Furthermore, 28.9% respondents were not sure if scaling will form gaps between teeth. When asked whether scaling causes permanent gum shrinkage, 52.5% reported ‘No’, 16.6% replied ‘Yes’ and 30.9% were ‘Don’t Know’.
In terms of tooth sensitivity, 39.1% reported scaling does not cause permanent sensitivity, 29.1% believed it does and 31.7% were not sure.
In the end, almost half of the participants (49.5%) reported knowing that gum health could influence the body’s diseases 21.6% denied it and 28.9% didn’t know.
In conclusion, the results suggest that there is moderate awareness, but there are still considerable misconceptions and uncertainties among the population regarding professional dental scaling and its effects on periodontal health.
CONCLUSION -The present study revealed that the awareness regarding professional dental scaling among the general population is moderate. However, it is not adequate. While participants were aware of scaling, many had wrong perceptions about scaling and its benefit for teeth and gums. A large number of subjects felt that scaling can damage the teeth structure, cause teeth mobility or create gap, etc., indicating myths. Awareness regarding removal of tartar and bleeding gums was comparatively better but still a large number of subjects remained unaware. A large section of the population had little awareness of the connection between periodontal health and systemic diseases. These findings suggest that poor knowledge and beliefs may have a negative impact on oral health.
The emphasis of study is to increase the education about oral health and awareness programs to correct misbeliefs related to professional scaling. Dental experts are important to make patients aware and use preventive care for periodontitis. The enhancement of public awareness helps in maintaining a proper oral hygiene and better health.},
        keywords = {l scaling, gum disease, oral health awareness, dental prophylaxis, oral hygiene practices, misconceptions on scaling},
        month = {March},
        }