Dental scale and polish is a routine professional dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth — helping prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
What Does It Involve?
1. Scaling
- A dentist or hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler or hand tools to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from:
- Tooth surfaces
- Gumline
- Between teeth
- You might hear a scraping sound, but it’s painless and important for oral health.
2. Polishing
- After scaling, your teeth are polished with a rotating brush and gritty paste.
- This removes minor stains (coffee, tea, tobacco) and smooths the surface of the teeth, making it harder for plaque to stick.
Benefits of Scale & Polish
- Fresher Breath – Eliminates odor-causing bacteria
- Healthier Gums – Reduces inflammation and bleeding
- Brighter Smile – Removes surface stains and smooths enamel
- Prevents Decay – Stops plaque before it becomes a problem
- Prevents Gum Disease – Essential for long-term oral health