What is A Scale and Polish Procedure
Scale and polishing are teeth cleaning procedures done by your dentists. They will remove the plaque on your teeth with a special tool in a painless procedure. Plaque is a hard substance stuck to our teeth and formed by bacteria. This will eat the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel. Bacteria naturally live in our mouths and feed on the sugars from our food.
Plague can form holes in our teeth, called cavities, if left untreated. This will expose dental pulp to bacteria, which can cause infection. After scaling removes the plaque, your dentist uses a buffing tool to polish your teeth. This tool removes surface stains to make the teeth appear brighter, smoother, and less likely to hold onto bacteria to form plaque.
Why Do You Need to Do Scaling And Polishing?
It is a dental cleaning process that can remove plaque (a soft, sticky layer of bacteria, food, and saliva) and hard tartar (calculus) deposits. Your mouth produces tons of saliva in a day. Your teeth are bathed in saliva rich in calcium and other substances that protect and help strengthen your teeth. It can cause calcium deposits to build up on the teeth over time. This chalky substance is like the limescale deposits that build up at the base of your kettle.
If plaque is left untreated, it hardens and discolours, forming tartar. A tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that builds up and varies from brown to black. If this tartar is left unremoved to build up on the teeth, the bacteria can thrive beside the gums. The main purpose of scaling and polishing is to make the teeth’ surface clean and smooth so that bacteria cannot stick to them. And you have a better chance to keep your teeth clean. You may need to do a tooth scale and polish procedure if you:
- Have stains caused by food (tea/coffee) or tobacco.
- Have tartar or calculus. (This helps prevent gum diseases that can cause gum recession, loose teeth and tooth loss).
- Have an oral disease like decay and cavities.
What Happens During Tooth Scaling And Polishing?
Scaling
Your dentist uses a vibrating tool to gently remove tartar and plaque deposits without harming your teeth. It is called an ultrasonic scaler. The scaler has a metal tip that uses vibrations to remove hardened tartar that sticks to the teeth, between teeth, and above your gum line. A water spray on the scaler is also used to remove the tartar and plaque from the gum pockets. Your dentist can use a manual dental scaler and scraping device (called a curette) to remove small remaining pieces of tartar.
Polishing
It is carried out after scaling to remove stains and make your teeth smooth and shiny. Polishing is done with a soft rubber cup that spins. The dentist uses a special toothpaste-like material, Prophylaxis paste, to polish your teeth. It is scooped up into the cup and spun around on the teeth. Polishing is also done by Prophyjet, which uses pressurized air and water spray with sodium hydrogen carbonate powder to remove stains and plaque from your teeth.
What Are the Benefits of a Scale and Polish?
Reduced Cavities
Scale and polish can help reduce the risk of cavities. The plaque bacteria produce acids that create a low pH that can wear tooth enamel and cause decay. Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent cavities and keeps enamel healthy.
Prevent Bad Breath
A scale and polish can improve bad breath. The plaque bacteria can cause a stink, so removing plaque can help prevent bad breath.
Prevent Gingivitis
A scale and polish can prevent gingivitis. If plaque is left untreated, bacteria accumulates and can inflame the gums, leading to gingivitis.
Save Money
If you practice good oral hygiene, it can help you prevent various dental issues. Scale and polish can improve your oral health, which helps you save money on fillings, implants, crowns, and tooth extractions.
What Can You Eat After a Scale and Polish?
You can eat and drink after your dentist has scaled and polished your teeth. But your dentist advises avoiding sugary foods and drinks that stain easily for at least 6 hours after the appointment. Food and drink that stain easily include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Curry
If you also had your teeth air polished or fluoride treatment, you should wait 30 minutes after your appointment to eat or drink for the best results.
How Can I Prevent Plaque Buildup?
With regular dental checkups, you can prevent plaque buildup in many ways, such as:
- Brush twice a day, for two minutes each time.
- Floss every day to avoid debris and food leftovers.
- Use a mouthwash (ask your dentist).
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Limit or avoid sugary foods, soft drinks and sticky candies.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- After every 3 months, change your toothbrush.
Does a scale and polish hurt?
For many people, a scale and polish won’t hurt their teeth. But you might feel discomfort from scraping or a tickling feeling in your gums if you have never had a scale and polish before. It is painless, but you may feel discomfort if you have existing gum disease, receding gums, enamel wear, or decay. If you have sensitive teeth, ask your dentist for a numbing gel, which may make the experience easier.
Sometimes, a person can experience a temporary increased sensitivity after their teeth are cleaned, scaled and polished. It is normal and goes away on its own. When booking your appointment, let us know if you are nervous about the treatment. They can explain the procedure in more detail and how it is safe and pain-free.
How long does a scale and polish procedure take?
If you regularly visit the dentist and practise good oral hygiene, a scale and polish takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you have not had a scale and polish for several years, 2–4 visits might be required to remove those plaque and tartar deposits.
Do scaling and polishing remove stains?
Scaling and polishing can remove surface stains and protect the gums and teeth from tooth decay and gingivitis.
How often should you have a scale and polish?
It depends on the oral health and lifestyle factors that vary with each individual. Your dentist may recommend a scale and polish every three to six months. But every person is different, so talk to your dentist about how many visits you need. People who smoke or regularly consume sugary drinks, coffee, and alcohol have more plaque buildup than the average person. They need a frequent scale and polish. Other factors are Diabetes and a history of gum disease or decay, which tends to build up plaque more easily, even when good oral hygiene is practised.
Do I have to get scale and polish if I regularly brush and clean them well?
The plaque can accumulate in hard-to-access crevices, which cannot be cleaned by brushing and flossing. Once plaque hardens to form tartar, brushing and flossing will not remove them, and scaling will be required. Regular brushing and cleaning habits will help your dentist to complete the scaling and polishing treatment in less time.
If you feel self-conscious about your smile or have a plaque that causes bad breath, visit Mint Dental Center, London, in South London, just minutes from Oval tube and Nine Elms tube.