A scale and polish is performed by a dentist or hygienist at Edgbaston Smile Clinic and typically takes just 20–30 minutes. This treatment is suitable for everyone and is highly recommended by our team to help keep your smile healthy. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a scale and polish and explain what the procedure involves.
Plaque and tartar naturally build up on teeth over time, even with regular brushing and flossing. When this build-up becomes significant, a scale and polish is recommended to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Scaling involves your dentist or hygienist carefully removing excess plaque, tartar, and other debris from your teeth. This is done by gently scraping away the layers that have accumulated over time. The procedure is both highly effective and painless. Since plaque and tartar cannot be fully removed by home care alone, having a scale and polish when advised is essential for maintaining optimal oral health.
The procedure begins with the removal of plaque and tartar using an ultrasonic scaler. This device efficiently breaks up the majority of the build-up, after which smaller handheld instruments are used to clear away any remaining deposits.
Once your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, they are polished to create a smooth, shiny surface. This not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also helps prevent future tartar build-up by smoothing out rough spots where plaque can accumulate.
A scale and polish is an excellent way to keep your teeth and gums healthy, removing plaque and tartar build-up while leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Beyond the immediate benefits, there are several important advantages to this treatment:
1. Freshens Your Breath
Bad breath is often caused by bacteria hiding in tartar and plaque. By removing these deposits at the source, a scale and polish can significantly reduce or even eliminate unpleasant odors, giving you fresher, cleaner breath.
2. Supports Overall Health
Good oral hygiene is closely linked to overall health. Conditions like gingivitis and gum disease have been associated with cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes. Regular brushing, check-ups, and professional cleanings like a scale and polish help reduce these risks.
3. Saves Money in the Long Run
Maintaining your teeth with routine care can prevent costly dental treatments such as fillings, extractions, crowns, or implants. Catching small issues early, like a minor cavity, is much less expensive and invasive than treating more severe problems later. Regular scale and polish appointments are a smart investment in both your oral health and your wallet.
Regular scaling and polishing are essential for keeping your teeth clean and preventing gum disease, particularly gingivitis. These appointments not only leave your mouth feeling fresh but also help maintain a bright, healthy smile.
Every day, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque forms on your teeth. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus) within 24 hours—a substance that can only be removed professionally by a dentist or hygienist.
Early signs of gum disease include red, swollen gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing. If left untreated, gum disease can progress, leading to bone loss around the teeth, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease is reversible in its early stages.
To prevent or manage gum disease, it’s important to attend regular hygiene appointments for scaling and polishing—typically every six months, though some patients may need them every three months. Equally important is maintaining thorough daily oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, to keep your gums and teeth healthy between visits.
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