Dental Scaling and Polishing Service

Why do you need to do scaling & polishing?

Dental cleanings involve removing plaque (a soft, sticky layer of bacteria, food & saliva) and hard tartar (calculus) deposits that have built up on the teeth over time. Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect your teeth. While this is definitely beneficial, it, unfortunately, means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will build up over time, almost like the lime scale deposits at the base of your kettle. Usually, it is tooth colored and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it can also vary from brown to black in color.

If this tartar is allowed to build up on the teeth, it will, unfortunately, provide the right conditions for bacteria to thrive beside the gums. The purpose of cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth beautifully clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them and so provide you a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular daily hygiene regime.

- To remove stains caused by food (coffee/tea) or tobacco.

- To remove tartar or calculus – this helps prevent gum diseases which are the main cause of gum recession, loose teeth and subsequently, tooth loss.

- To allow screening for the oral disease like decay and any cavities.

Dental scaling and polishing is the removal of plaque and tartar deposits built up on the teeth and the polishing of the smooth surfaces of the teeth. This procedure is conducted during routine cleaning (prophylaxis) at a visit to the dentist.