Scaling & Polishing

Oral health is closely linked to overall health and well-being. While daily brushing and flossing play a vital role in maintaining clean teeth, professional care is sometimes necessary to remove stubborn deposits and keep gums healthy. Scaling and polishing is one of the most common preventive dental procedures, aimed at improving oral hygiene, preventing gum disease, and giving teeth a cleaner and fresher appearance.

At Alpha Dental Group, scaling and polishing are offered as part of routine dental care, helping patients maintain long-term oral health and prevent more complex dental issues in the future.

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What Is Scaling and Polishing?

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Scaling and polishing is a professional cleaning procedure carried out by a dentist or dental hygienist. It goes beyond what regular brushing can achieve, targeting areas of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that are difficult to remove at home.

• Scaling involves the careful removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and below the gumline.
• Polishing smooths the surface of the teeth to discourage future plaque build-up and improves overall cleanliness.

The procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and forms part of a preventive dental care plan designed to protect both teeth and gums.

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Why Is Scaling Important?

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Plaque is a soft, sticky film containing bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When not removed effectively, it hardens into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. If left untreated, tartar build-up can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis and, over time, periodontal disease.

Scaling helps:

• Prevent gum inflammation and gum disease.
• Reduce the risk of tooth decay.
• Protect the bone supporting the teeth.
• Improve overall oral hygiene.

The Polishing Process

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Polishing usually follows scaling. After tartar and plaque are removed, teeth may be polished using a rotating brush or rubber cup with a special paste. This helps smooth rough areas of the tooth surface, making it harder for plaque to accumulate again. While polishing is not essential for oral health, it supports hygiene efforts and provides a refreshed, clean feeling.

Some patients may also receive fluoride treatment after scaling and polishing, depending on individual needs.

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What to Expect During the Procedure

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Scaling and polishing are usually straightforward and comfortable. A typical appointment may include:

1. Examination: The dentist or hygienist assesses your teeth and gums to determine the extent of cleaning required.
2. Scaling: Hand instruments or ultrasonic scalers are used to carefully remove deposits from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
3. Polishing: A polishing paste is applied to smooth teeth and remove minor surface stains.
4. Aftercare advice: Patients receive tailored guidance on brushing, flossing, and maintaining hygiene between appointments.

In some cases, mild sensitivity may be experienced for a short time after the procedure, particularly if heavy deposits were removed. This usually settles quickly.

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Benefits of Regular Scaling and Polishing

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Routine scaling and polishing support both oral and general health. The main benefits include:

• Healthier gums: Reduces bleeding, swelling, and tenderness caused by plaque and tartar.
• Cleaner teeth: Removes build-up that daily brushing cannot address.
• Fresher breath: Reduces odours linked to bacteria in the mouth.
• Lower risk of dental disease: Helps prevent cavities and periodontal problems.
• Improved confidence: Polished teeth feel smoother and look cleaner, contributing to a fresher smile.

How Often Should It Be Done?

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The frequency of scaling depends on individual oral health needs. For most patients, a session every six months is recommended. However, those with gum disease, higher tartar build-up, or certain medical conditions may benefit from more frequent visits.

Regular appointments also allow the dentist to monitor changes in oral health and detect early signs of gum disease or decay, enabling timely treatment.

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Scaling and Polishing for Gum Health

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Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems worldwide. It often begins with gingivitis, where gums become red and swollen due to plaque build-up. If not managed, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the tissues and bone supporting teeth.

Scaling and polishing are important steps in controlling gum disease at its early stages. When performed regularly, it reduces the bacterial load in the mouth and helps stabilise gum health. For advanced cases, further periodontal treatments may be required, but routine cleaning remains a crucial preventive measure.

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Aftercare Tips

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To make the most of scaling and polishing, patients are encouraged to:

• Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks that contribute to plaque build-up.
• Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of gum disease and stains teeth.
• Keep up with regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

Maintaining a good home routine complements the professional care provided during scaling and polishing.

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When Scaling and Polishing May Not Be Enough

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In cases of severe gum disease or heavy tartar accumulation, additional treatments may be required. Deep cleaning (root planing), gum therapy, or specialist periodontal procedures might be recommended to restore gum health. Scaling and polishing, however, remain the foundation of preventive care and are essential even for those undergoing advanced treatments.

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Book Your Appointment with Alpha Dental Group

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Scaling and polishing are simple yet effective ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums, prevent disease, and support long-term oral health. By removing plaque and tartar, the procedure addresses one of the primary causes of dental problems and ensures patients benefit from a cleaner, fresher mouth.

If you are due for a professional cleaning or want to learn more about maintaining healthy gums, consider scheduling a scaling and polishing session. At Alpha Dental Group, our team provides thorough and careful care tailored to your needs. Booking an appointment ensures your oral health is regularly monitored and supported with preventive treatment.