Scaling and Polishing (Hygiene)

A professional hygiene visit removes hardened plaque (tartar) and surface stains that cannot be cleared by brushing, leaving the teeth cleaner and the gums healthier. At Ddent scaling uses ultrasonic instruments to lift tartar from the teeth and along the gumline, followed by polishing to smooth and brighten the surfaces. Regular hygiene visits are associated with better gum health, and the centre offers an air-flow sandblasting upgrade for more thorough stain removal.

Professional dental hygiene, or scaling and polishing, is the routine cleaning that complements home brushing and flossing. Even with good daily care, plaque hardens over time into tartar (calculus) that adheres firmly to the teeth and along and below the gumline and cannot be removed by a toothbrush; this build-up harbours bacteria and is a key factor in gum inflammation. At Ddent an ultrasonic scaler is used to break up and flush away tartar and bacterial deposits from the tooth surfaces and the gum margins, after which the teeth are polished with a fine paste to remove residual stain and leave a smooth surface that slows new plaque from sticking. Keeping the gums and supporting tissues healthy through regular scaling is associated with a reduced risk of gum disease progressing, and a hygiene visit also gives the dentist a chance to spot early signs of decay or gum problems. For patients with more noticeable staining from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking, the centre offers an air-flow option that uses a jet of fine powder and water to clean stubborn stains and reach areas a standard polish may not, and fluoride can be applied afterwards to help protect the enamel and reduce sensitivity. How often hygiene visits are advisable depends on individual gum health and habits; the dentist will suggest a suitable interval and demonstrate home-care techniques tailored to the patient's needs.