A scale and polish is a professional dental clean designed to remove plaque, tartar, and surface staining from the teeth. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums and supporting the structures that hold your teeth in place.
At East Coast Bays Dental, scale and polish appointments focus on cleaning teeth and supporting long-term gum and bone health. Regular dental cleaning helps reduce the risk of gum disease and keeps your mouth feeling fresh and comfortable.
A scale and polish involves the careful removal of plaque and hardened deposits, known as tartar or calculus, from the teeth and along the gum line. The teeth are then polished if necessary to help remove surface staining.
Professional dental cleaning reaches areas that are difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone, helping to maintain healthy gums and reduce inflammation.
The gums, ligaments, and bone that support your teeth can be affected by plaque and bacteria. When plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar and irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.
Early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, may cause redness, swelling, or bleeding. Professional dental cleaning is commonly part of gingivitis treatment, helping to remove the source of irritation and support gum healing. Without regular maintenance, gum problems can progress and affect the supporting bone around the teeth.
A scale and polish also helps manage surface staining caused by everyday factors such as coffee, tea, wine, smoking, spices, and swimming in chlorinated pools.
During a scale and polish, your clinician will gently clean around the teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and food debris. Areas below the gum line may also be cleaned where appropriate.
Polishing can then be carried out to help remove surface stains. The appointment is designed to be thorough yet comfortable, and your clinician will explain what is being done throughout the visit.
The recommended frequency of dental cleaning varies depending on your oral health. Many patients benefit from a scale and polish every six months, while others may require more frequent visits. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.
