A healthy smile isn’t just about brushing twice a day, professional teeth cleaning plays a vital role in maintaining strong, fresh, and healthy teeth and gums. While daily brushing and flossing are essential, they can’t remove everything that builds up on your teeth. That’s where a scale and polish comes in.

What Is a Professional Scale and Polish?

A scale and polish is a thorough cleaning treatment performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. It involves removing plaque, tartar, and surface staining that regular brushing can’t reach.
The treatment usually includes two stages:

1. Scaling

This involves gently removing hardened tartar (calculus) from the teeth, especially around the gumline and between teeth. Special ultrasonic tools or manual instruments are used to clean areas that are difficult to reach at home.

2. Polishing

After scaling, the teeth are polished using a rotating brush and a fine paste to remove stains and smooth the enamel. This helps leave the teeth feeling cleaner, brighter, and smoother.

Why Professional Teeth Cleaning Matters

Even with excellent brushing habits, plaque can build up over time. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be removed at home — which is why regular professional cleaning is essential.

Here are the key benefits:

✔ Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease

Gum disease often begins with inflammation caused by plaque and tartar around the gumline. A professional scale and polish helps remove the bacteria responsible for this inflammation and can significantly reduce the risk of developing gingivitis or more advanced gum problems.

✔ Helps Prevent Bad Breath

Persistent bad breath is often linked to bacteria trapped around the teeth and gums. Removing this buildup can help freshen your breath and improve overall oral hygiene.

✔ Removes Stains for a Brighter Smile

Certain foods, drinks, and habits — such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking — can leave stains on the teeth. Polishing helps lift these surface stains, giving your smile a cleaner and more radiant appearance.

✔ Protects Your Enamel

Tartar buildup can create rough surfaces that attract more plaque and make it harder to keep your teeth clean. Professional cleaning smooths the enamel, helping to prevent future buildup and protect the teeth.

✔ Supports Overall Health

Research suggests a strong link between oral health and general well-being. Reducing inflammation and bacterial load in the mouth may contribute to better long-term health, particularly for people with existing medical conditions.

How Often Do You Need a Professional Cleaning?

Most people benefit from a scale and polish every six months, but some may need more frequent visits — especially if they are prone to gum problems, have higher plaque levels, or are undergoing orthodontic treatment. A dentist or hygienist can recommend the ideal frequency based on your individual needs.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Professional cleaning is usually comfortable and straightforward. You can expect:

• A full assessment of your teeth and gum health
• Scaling to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing to brighten and smooth the teeth
• Tailored advice on improving your oral hygiene routine

If you have sensitive teeth, the hygienist may use gentler techniques or recommend desensitising products to help keep you comfortable.

Is a Scale and Polish the Same as a Hygienist Appointment?

A hygiene appointment typically includes a scale and polish, but also goes beyond cleaning. Your hygienist may:

• Review your brushing technique
• Offer tailored advice on preventing gum disease
• Demonstrate flossing or interdental cleaning tools
• Advice on diet and lifestyle factors
• Provide fluoride treatments if needed

This makes hygienist visits an important part of preventative dental care.