Dental scaling and polishing

Plaque is a soft bacterial film that forms on teeth. When plaque stays in place, minerals in saliva can harden it into calculus, also called tartar, which a toothbrush cannot remove. Scaling uses a hand instrument or an ultrasonic scaler to detach these deposits from enamel, root surfaces, and the shallow area beneath the gum margin.

Polishing is usually performed after scaling with a rubber cup or brush and a fine abrasive paste. It can remove some surface discoloration from foods, drinks, or tobacco, but it does not bleach the internal colour of a tooth and does not remove cavities, fillings, or calculus by itself.

At an appointment, the dentist or hygienist examines the teeth and gums, identifies calculus and bleeding areas, and chooses instruments for the amount and position of buildup. The clinician may rinse or use suction during ultrasonic scaling, then clean around each tooth, floss between the teeth, polish selected surfaces, and recommend a fluoride product or a home-care routine when appropriate.

At home, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush, and avoid trying to chip tartar away with a sharp object. Tell the dental team about gum bleeding, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, implants, crowns, or medicines that affect bleeding before treatment begins.

Arrange a dental examination if deposits keep returning, gums bleed regularly, breath remains unpleasant despite cleaning, teeth feel loose, or chewing becomes uncomfortable. These findings can accompany gum inflammation, periodontal disease, decay, a fractured tooth, or another problem that scaling alone cannot diagnose or treat.

Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, severe or spreading tooth pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure. A routine cleaning is not a substitute for assessment of an infection, injury, or advanced gum problem.

Ask where the calculus is located, whether the gums show inflammation or periodontal pockets, and whether dental radiographs or other tests are needed. You can also ask which areas require scaling below the gumline, whether polishing is appropriate for your restorations, and how to clean around crowns, bridges, braces, or implants.