Everyone hears of someone going to their scale and polish appointment with a dental hygienist, but if you haven’t been for one yourself, it’s likely you don’t understand what it is.
A teeth scale and polish is essential if you’re hoping to keep the best oral hygiene possible, and should be done around every 6 months in order for your mouth to remain healthy.
What is a scale and polish?
A scale and polish is a professional cleaning of your teeth that is carried out by a dental hygienist. Some of this is done with a tool called a scaler, which vibrates at a very high speed to break up any hard substance on your teeth.
Your dental hygienist will clean all around the gumline to your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar. They’ll finish off by polishing your teeth. This aims to remove stains, leaving your teeth brighter and shinier, and smoothing over rough patches to help prevent plaque build-up in the future.
Why do I need to get a scale and polish?
Throughout the day, plaque builds up on your teeth, full of bacteria and wearing away at your enamel. Most of it is removed when you brush your teeth, but it is inevitable that some difficult to reach areas are missed. Over time, this leftover plaque can harden into tartar which is harder to get rid of by brushing alone, so a scale and polish is needed.
Does a scale and polish hurt?
A scale and polish shouldn’t hurt, but it can feel unusual. You might experience a scraping sensation or a tickling feeling in your gums.
If you are nervous about the treatment, then let us know when booking your appointment. We have specialist staff who are trained in calming nervous patients. They can go over the procedure in more detail if you wish, and explain how it is safe and pain-free.
How long does a scale and polish take?
A scale and polish usually takes around 30 minutes. The length of time spent on your teeth will depend on the severity of the tartar buildup and how big your teeth are.
How do I care for my teeth after a scale and polish?
After your procedure, you can speak to your dentist to see how often the treatment is recommended for you.
In between your appointments, you still need to follow a proper oral hygiene routine, as the scale and polish is only an additional factor in keeping your mouth healthy.
If you have any questions about your oral health routine or have a dental issue that needs to be addressed, please contact our team at Glandwr. We will do our best to assist you.
