Why brushing alone is not enough
Gum disease usually starts with a build-up of plaque bacteria. Brushing twice a day removes most of it, but there are always corners a brush cannot reach. Plaque left in those corners hardens into tartar, a crusty deposit that no amount of brushing will shift. Once tartar forms, more bacteria collect around it and under the gum line, and gum disease progresses from there.
What happens at the appointment
The first stage is the scale. An ultrasonic scaler removes the bulk of the tartar, then hand instruments clear whatever stubbornly remains, including below the gum line. The second stage is the polish, which smooths the tooth surface, lifts staining, and removes the small rough patches where plaque would otherwise gather again.
How often you need one
Six months suits most people, but it is not a rule for everyone. If you build up tartar quickly, smoke, or already have gum disease, three or four months may serve you better. If your gums are healthy and your brushing is good, you may safely go longer. We will tell you what we actually see in your mouth rather than repeating a stock interval.
Common questions
Does a scale and polish hurt?
Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful. If your gums are inflamed or your teeth are sensitive, tell us and we can numb the area.
How long does it take?
Usually thirty to forty minutes. Allow longer if it has been a few years since your last one.
Will it whiten my teeth?
It lifts surface staining from tea, coffee and smoking, so teeth usually look brighter. It does not change the underlying shade. That is what whitening is for.