What a scale and polish actually does for your teeth (and why it’s worth it)

You brush twice a day, you clean between your teeth, and you might even be pretty good at remembering to floss. So, do you really need a professional clean as well?

It’s a fair question. After all, if your teeth look and feel clean, it can be easy to assume that your toothbrush is taking care of everything. Unfortunately, there are some things that even a really good brushing routine can’t remove.

Over time, plaque can build up in those harder-to-reach areas of your mouth and eventually harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Once it reaches this stage, brushing alone won’t remove it, which is where a professional scale and polish can help.

A scale and polish isn’t just about making your teeth look a little cleaner. It’s an important part of general dentistry and looking after your gums, removing stubborn deposits and helping you maintain a healthier smile.

So, what does a scale and polish actually do for your teeth, and is it really worth having? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a scale and polish?

A scale and polish is a professional dental clean, usually carried out by a dentist or dental hygienist. Although we tend to talk about it as one treatment, there are actually two parts to the process.

The scale is where we remove deposits of plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth, particularly around the gumline and in areas that can be difficult to reach with your toothbrush. The polish helps remove some of the surface staining left behind by things like tea, coffee and smoking, while leaving the surfaces of your teeth feeling smoother and cleaner.

It’s important to remember that a scale and polish isn’t the same as teeth whitening. While removing surface stains can sometimes leave your smile looking a little brighter, it won’t change the natural colour of your teeth in the way that a professional whitening treatment can.

What does a scale and polish actually do?

The first thing many people notice after a scale and polish is simply how clean their teeth feel. But that lovely smooth feeling isn’t the only reason professional cleaning can be worthwhile.

Regular brushing and interdental cleaning are still the most important things you can do at home, but professional cleaning can tackle the plaque and tartar that your everyday routine hasn’t been able to remove.

Removes tartar you can’t brush away

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally builds up on your teeth throughout the day. Good brushing and cleaning between your teeth helps remove it, but if some plaque is left behind, it can eventually harden into tartar.
The problem is that once tartar forms, your toothbrush can’t simply scrub it away.

During a scale and polish, we use professional dental instruments to carefully remove these hardened deposits from around your teeth and gumline, giving you a much cleaner starting point for looking after your smile at home.

Helps keep your gums healthy

Healthy gums are an important part of a healthy smile. When plaque and tartar are allowed to build up around the gumline, they can irritate your gums. You might notice that your gums look red or swollen, or that they bleed when you brush your teeth.

Removing these deposits can help you keep your gums healthier and reduce the risk of problems developing or progressing. If we notice signs that you may already have gum disease, we’ll also be able to advise you on the most appropriate treatment and the best way to look after your gums at home.

Cleans the areas that are easy to miss

We all have those awkward areas that are a little more difficult to clean properly. It could be behind your back teeth, around crowded teeth or along parts of the gumline that your toothbrush doesn’t quite reach. Even if you’re really thorough with your oral hygiene, it’s possible for plaque and tartar to accumulate in these areas over time.

A professional clean lets us focus on those harder-to-reach places and remove deposits that may otherwise have been left behind.

Removes some surface staining

If you regularly drink tea or coffee, or if you smoke, you may notice staining gradually appearing on the surface of your teeth. A professional polish can help remove some of these external stains, which can leave your smile looking fresher and your teeth feeling smoother.

However, a scale and polish isn’t designed to whiten your teeth. If you’re looking to noticeably change the shade of your smile, professional teeth whitening may be a more suitable option.

Can help your mouth feel fresher

Persistent bad breath can have a number of causes, so it’s always worth speaking to your dentist if it’s something you’re concerned about.

However, plaque and tartar build-up can sometimes contribute to an unpleasant taste or smell. Removing these deposits and maintaining good oral hygiene can help your mouth feel cleaner and fresher.

What happens during a scale and polish?

If you’ve never had a professional clean before, you might be wondering exactly what happens once you’re in the chair. We’ll start by taking a look at your teeth and gums and identifying any areas where plaque or tartar has accumulated.

Your dentist or hygienist will then use specialist instruments to gently remove these deposits from the surfaces of your teeth and around your gumline. Once the scaling is complete, your teeth can be polished to help remove some surface staining and leave them feeling smooth.

We’ll also be able to point out any areas where plaque tends to collect and give you advice on brushing and cleaning between your teeth at home. It’s a relatively straightforward appointment, but the advice you receive can be just as useful as the clean itself when it comes to maintaining your smile between visits.

Does a scale and polish hurt?

For most people, a routine scale and polish should cause little or no discomfort. You may notice some sensitivity in certain areas, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth, inflamed gums or a heavier build-up of tartar.

If you’re nervous or uncomfortable at any point, just let us know. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible during your appointment, and we can talk you through what we’re doing as we go.

How often should you have a scale and polish?

There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone. How often you benefit from professional cleaning will depend on factors such as the health of your teeth and gums, how quickly plaque and tartar build up and whether you have any existing gum problems.

Some people may benefit from seeing a hygienist more regularly, while others may need professional cleaning less frequently. Rather than booking a scale and polish simply because a certain amount of time has passed, we’ll assess your oral health and recommend the level of care that’s appropriate for your smile.

Is a scale and polish worth it?

If a professional clean has been recommended for you, there are plenty of reasons why it can be worthwhile. Yes, your teeth can feel noticeably smoother and cleaner afterwards, and removing surface staining can give your smile a fresher appearance. But the real benefit goes beyond how your teeth look.

Removing plaque and tartar that you can’t tackle at home can help you maintain healthier teeth and gums, while regular dental and hygiene appointments give us an opportunity to identify areas that may need a little more attention.

And, just as importantly, we’ll help you understand how to look after your smile between appointments so you can get the most from your daily routine.

Looking for a private dentist in Blackburn?

Whether you’re due for a scale and polish, haven’t visited a dentist for a while, or you’re simply looking for a new private dentist in Blackburn, we’d be happy to welcome you to AP Smilecare.

As well as paying for your private dental care as you go, we also offer Denplan, which can make it easier to budget for regular dental care. Instead of paying separately for every routine visit, Denplan lets you spread the cost through monthly payments, with options that include routine examinations and hygiene appointments.

If you’re not sure whether private dentistry or Denplan is right for you, don’t worry. Our team can explain your options, answer your questions and help you decide what works best for you and your smile.

So, if you’re looking for a dentist in Blackburn, we’d love to welcome you into the clinic. Give our friendly team a call on 01254 297000 or book an appointment online to get started!