Even if you brush, floss and rinse your teeth regularly, it’s difficult to remove plaque in hard-to-reach places. If not removed, it mineralizes into a hard substance called tartar.

Teeth scaling and polishing (S&P) is an oral hygiene treatment that prevents gingivitis and may reduce periodontitis progression. It is also known as prophylaxis or professional mechanical plaque removal. cosmedent six advanced techniques for achieving a polished smile ensuring optimal dental aesthetics and lasting oral health.

It Removes Plaque and Tartar

When plaque is not removed regularly it can harden on the teeth, forming calculus (tartar). This is a very common dental issue and it is very important to get it cleared. Calculus deposits harbour infection-causing bacteria and increase the risk of gum disease. This is why we recommend having teeth scaling and polishing at regular intervals.

Teeth scaling is the removal of mineralised plaque deposits, calculus and debris from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth using sharp dental instruments like hand scalers and curettes and an ultrasonic device (you may hear a high pitched buzzing sound). This leaves the tooth surface clean and smooth, preventing further bacterial accumulation and making it harder for stains to stick.

This is followed by polishing which removes any remaining stains and makes the teeth feel smooth to the touch. This procedure can also help save teeth from severe gum diseases. Regular cleaning can reduce the frequency of gingivitis which is the early stage of gum disease, as well as slow down the progression to periodontitis.

It Removes Stains

The teeth scaling and polishing procedure, also known as prophylaxis removes local irritational factors (plaque, calculus and debris) from tooth surfaces. This can reduce the occurrence of gingivitis (mild gum disease) and prevent progression to periodontitis.

During the scaling process, dental hygienists use special tools to remove the buildup of hardened plaque and calcified deposits on the surface of the teeth called tartar. Brushing alone can’t reach these hard-to-reach areas where the bacteria and debris have mineralized to form tartar, which clings to the surface of the teeth.

After the scale is completed, the hygienist will polish the teeth using a spinning rubber cup coated in a prophylaxis paste to remove any remnants of stains and leave your teeth looking shiny and clean. Keeping up with regular teeth cleanings and avoiding foods that can cause staining (eg coffee, red wine) will help to keep your teeth looking healthy and bright.

It Whitens Teeth

Besides being essential to good oral health regular scaling and polishing will also keep your teeth white. Harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease live in dental plaque and tartar, which eventually hardens to form calculus deposits on the teeth, making them look yellowish. Scaling removes the stains and deposits on the surface of the teeth, giving them a brighter and healthier appearance.

The next step is polishing, where the hygienist uses a mild material to buff the surfaces of the teeth to make them shiny and smooth. This helps discourage the future build-up of plaque, food debris, and stains by providing a harder surface that is more difficult for bacteria to adhere to.

Having healthy teeth and gums improves your quality of life. It reduces the occurrence of dental problems and chronic illnesses, and it makes you look and feel more confident. It also strengthens relationships and can lead to success, especially if you are in a job that requires you to interact with people, such as customer service or sales.

It Prevents Gum Disease

Dental scaling involves the removal of plaque (a soft sticky layer of bacteria, food and saliva) and hard tartar deposits that have mineralised on the surface of teeth. It’s also known as professional mechanical plaque control or prophylaxis and is often performed by dental hygienists.

When left untreated, bacterial plaque can lead to gum disease. This can start as gingivitis and if not treated, can progress to the more serious stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Teeth scaling and polishing removes the bacterial plaque and stops it from damaging teeth.

Dental recommends getting regular dental cleanings, ideally every six months. It is not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, but it is essential to keeping your teeth healthy and preventing gum disease. Your dentist may also recommend using a toothpaste with antibacterial fluoride to further reduce the risk of gum disease. Teeth scaling helps prevent plaque accumulation under the gum line which in turn lowers the risk of gum disease.