If you’ve ever been to the dentist for a check-up, you might have heard about a procedure called a "scale and polish." It’s a common dental treatment which ensures maintaining your oral health, but some people worry that it might damage their teeth. So, let’s break it down and figure out the truth about scale and polish!
Think of a scaling and polishing as a deep cleaning session for your teeth, just like cleaning your house thoroughly before a festive celebration.
Over time by the end of the day, a sticky film of bacteria known as plaque and hardened plaque (tartar) can build up on your teeth, even if you brush and floss regularly. These buildup of plaque can cause active gum disease down the line if it is not removed regularly. That’s where the scale and polish come in maintaining your oral health.
This is the first step of dental cleaning. The dentist or dental hygienist uses ultrasonic dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially around the gum line. This is known as ultrasonic scaling. It’s like scraping off the stubborn bits through vibrations that regular brushing can't reach around. By removing dental plaque and tartar found on your teeth, tooth decay can be prevented.
After the scaling, a polishing paste and polishing tool is then used to smoothen the surface of your teeth. This makes your teeth feel clean and shiny. For stubborn stains, we would recommend air powder polishing, also known as airflow cleaning. This polishing procedure removes stains by using a powerful stream of water and powder to clean the surface of the teeth effectively. Find out more about airflow cleaning here.
Here’s the simple answer: It doesn’t damage your teeth! In fact, it helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here’s why:
Skipping your scale and polish can lead to:
You might have heard someone say, "Doesn’t scaling scrape away my tooth enamel?" The answer is no—your enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth) is very strong and the tools used in scaling are designed to remove tartar, not damage enamel. As long as the procedure is done by a trained dentist or hygienist, your enamel is safe.
After scaling, some people notice that their teeth feel a bit more sensitive, especially to cold foods or drinks. This isn’t because the enamel is damaged—it’s because the tartar that was covering sensitive areas has been removed. This sensitivity usually goes away in a few days.
After scaling, your teeth might look slightly different, especially if tartar had built up for a long time. What you’re seeing is your actual tooth surface, not damage.
The tools used during scaling can look sharp, but they’re perfectly safe when used by professionals. These tools, also called as ultrasonic scalers, use vibrations to break up tartar, while a water spray clears away debris. For a more thorough clean, manual hand scalers are used to remove smaller deposits between the teeth.
Scaling and polishing is generally painless, though you may feel some discomfort if there is significant dental plaque and tartar buildup or if your gums are sensitive. If you experience sensitivity during your cleaning, please inform our dentist so we can numb your teeth if necessary to ensure your comfort.
If plaque and tartar aren’t cleaned regularly, they can lead to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis or periodontal disease. For severe gum disease, extra cleaning below the gumline may be needed. People with this condition should visit the dentist every 3 months to keep their gums healthy and prevent it from coming back.
Professional scaling doesn’t damage your teeth—it actually helps protect them and keeps your gums healthy. It’s a simple and safe way to keep your smile bright and maintain your oral health. If you have any concerns regarding booking in for a dental professional cleaning or enquiring on scaling and polishing price, just drop us a message here and we will be happy to assist!