Regular dental care is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and a scale and polish is one of the most common procedures recommended by dentists. It’s an important step in preventive dental care, designed to remove plaque and tartar build-up, brighten your smile, and maintain good oral hygiene.
If you’re curious about what a scale and polish involves, its benefits, costs, and whether it hurts, this guide will help answer all your questions.
What is a Scale and Polish?
A scale and polish is a professional dental cleaning procedure that focuses on removing built-up plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Even with good brushing and flossing habits, it’s easy for plaque to accumulate over time, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with professional cleaning.
Scale and Polish Procedure
- Scaling:
The first step involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, particularly around the gum line. Using special tools, the dentist or hygienist carefully scrapes away these deposits, leaving your teeth free of harmful bacteria and build-up. Some practices use ultrasonic scalers, which use vibrations and water to break down tartar, while others use manual instruments. - Polishing:
After the scaling, the dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth using a rotating brush or rubber cup with a gritty toothpaste. This polishing process smooths the tooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque to reattach and giving you a cleaner, brighter smile.
Scale and Polish Procedure
- Scaling:
The first step involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, particularly around the gum line. Using special tools, the dentist or hygienist carefully scrapes away these deposits, leaving your teeth free of harmful bacteria and build-up. Some practices use ultrasonic scalers, which use vibrations and water to break down tartar, while others use manual instruments. - Polishing:
After the scaling, the dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth using a rotating brush or rubber cup with a gritty toothpaste. This polishing process smooths the tooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque to reattach and giving you a cleaner, brighter smile.
Why is a Scale and Polish Important?
Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. A scale and polish helps prevent these issues, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. By removing build-up, it also leaves your teeth looking cleaner and may even reduce surface stains, giving you a whiter smile.
How Often Should You Have a Scale and Polish?
The frequency of a scale and polish can vary depending on individual needs and oral health. For most people, a scale and polish every six months during a routine check-up is sufficient. However, if you’re prone to tartar build-up, gum disease, or other dental issues, your dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings, perhaps every three months.
Benefits of a Scale and Polish
Regular scale and polish treatments offer a range of benefits:
- Reduces gum disease: Gum disease often starts with plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line. A scale and polish removes these deposits, helping to prevent gum inflammation and disease.
- Prevents cavities: Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Regular cleaning removes this harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of decay.
- Freshens breath: Bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar can cause bad breath. By removing these deposits, a scale and polish treatment leaves your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.
- Brightens your smile: Polishing can reduce surface stains caused by tea, coffee, or smoking, giving you a noticeably brighter smile.
Scale and Polish Cost
The cost of a scale and polish varies depending on the dental practice, location, and the extent of cleaning required. In the UK, a standard scale and polish typically falls within the £30-£60 range if done privately, but prices can be higher in some clinics or if additional treatments are required.
At Hakimi Dental CLinic, you can clean your teeth for as little as £35. Visit our page to see the cost and book an appointment 7 days a week!
Does a Scale and Polish Hurt?
A common concern is whether a scale and polish treatment is painful. For most people, the procedure is painless and may only cause mild discomfort, especially if it’s been a while since your last cleaning. However, if you have sensitive gums or significant tartar build-up, you may feel some pressure or sensitivity during the scaling process.
Dentists or hygienists use gentle techniques, and if you’re feeling uncomfortable, they can apply a numbing gel to help reduce sensitivity. Communicating with your dental professional about any discomfort is important so they can make adjustments.
Tips for Minimising Discomfort During a Scale and Polish
- Schedule Regular Cleanings: Frequent cleanings help reduce the amount of plaque and tartar that builds up, making each session quicker and more comfortable.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Keeping up with daily oral hygiene helps reduce plaque, making scaling less intense.
- Communicate Sensitivity Issues: If you have areas of sensitivity, inform your hygienist so they can take extra care.
What Happens After a Scale and Polish
After a scale and polish, your teeth may feel smoother, and your mouth should feel fresher. In some cases, you might experience mild gum sensitivity, especially if there was a significant amount of tartar removed. This sensitivity usually resolves within a day or two.
To maximise the benefits of your scale and polish treatment, follow these post-treatment tips:
- Brush twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, helping to keep your mouth cleaner between visits.
- Use mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque build-up, keeping your teeth fresher for longer.
- Limit staining foods and drinks: Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can cause surface staining. Limiting these can help maintain a bright smile after your treatment.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking contributes to plaque and tartar build-up and can cause yellowing and staining. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting to preserve your smile and improve overall oral health.
Final Thoughts on Scale and Polish Treatments
A scale and polish is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain good oral health. By removing plaque and tartar, it prevents the onset of gum disease, reduces the risk of cavities, and leaves you with a cleaner, brighter smile. Whether you’re due for a routine clean or haven’t had a scale and polish in a while, scheduling regular appointments can make a big difference in your dental health.
Keep up with daily brushing and flossing, and remember that professional cleanings are an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life.
If you would like to book an appointment, at Hakimi Dental Clinic we are seeing patients for hygiene appointments 7 days a week! Call us to book or click here.
FAQs
A scale and polish is a professional cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth. It’s necessary because plaque and tartar, if not removed, can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Regular scale and polish treatments are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
For most people, a scale and polish is not painful, but some may feel mild discomfort, especially if it’s been a while since their last cleaning. Sensitive gums or heavy tartar build-up may cause some tenderness, but dentists can use numbing gels to ease any discomfort.
In the UK, private scale and polish treatments typically cost between £30-£60. At Hakimi Dental Clinic, a hygiene appointment starts from £35.
Most people benefit from a scale and polish every six months as part of their routine check-up. However, if you’re prone to gum disease or plaque build-up, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits, such as every three to four months.
Some people experience mild gum sensitivity or tenderness after a scale and polish, particularly if there was a large amount of tartar removed. This sensitivity is usually temporary and can be managed with gentle brushing and avoiding hot or cold drinks for a day or two.