A scale and polish is a dental treatment that helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. The dentist or dental hygienist first removes plaque and tartar. These are hard, sticky layers that build up on your teeth. This part is called scaling. Then comes polishing, which smooths the surface of your teeth. It also removes surface stains and gives your teeth a cleaner look. This treatment doesn’t take long and is part of a regular dental check-up. It helps stop gum problems, keeps your mouth fresh, and can improve the look of your smile.
Does It Actually Whiten Teeth?
The short answer is yes, but only a little. A scale and polish can make your Teeth Whitening look brighter. However, it does not change the natural colour of your teeth. This treatment removes stains from coffee, tea, food, or smoking. These are stains on the outside of the teeth, not deep inside. That means your teeth may look cleaner and slightly whiter after the treatment. But if you want a big colour change, you’ll need a whitening treatment. So, while a scale and polish helps, it’s not a full whitening procedure.
What Makes Teeth Look Yellow?
Teeth can look yellow for many reasons. Drinking tea, coffee, and dark fizzy drinks can leave stains. Smoking or chewing tobacco also causes yellow or brown marks. Not brushing well lets plaque and tartar build up, which makes teeth look dull. As we get older, the white outer layer of teeth, called enamel, gets thinner. This shows more of the yellow layer underneath. Even some medicines can cause tooth discolouration. A scale and polish can clean the outside stains. But it can’t fix deeper changes in tooth colour caused by age or medication.
How Is It Different from Whitening?
A scale and polish is not the same as teeth whitening. Whitening uses safe chemicals to bleach your teeth. It changes the colour of your teeth, even the parts deep inside. This gives a much brighter result. A scale and polish only removes surface stains and tartar. It doesn’t change the tooth’s natural shade. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, while scaling is about keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If your teeth are stained but healthy, whitening might be the better option. If you want cleaner teeth and fresher breath, a scale and polish is best.
What Happens During the Treatment?
A scale and polish is simple and usually painless. First, the NHS dentist uses a tool to gently remove tartar and plaque from your teeth. This tool may make a buzzing sound or light vibration. Then they clean around the gum line and between your teeth. After that, your teeth are polished with a soft spinning brush and special paste. The paste removes light stains and makes your teeth feel smooth. Some people feel slight pressure or tickling, but it doesn’t hurt. The whole process is quick and leaves your teeth feeling fresh, clean, and healthier.
Does It Hurt or Have Side Effects?
Most people don’t find a scale and polish painful. If you have sore gums or lots of tartar, it might feel a little sensitive. The dentist can go slowly or use a numbing gel if needed. Some people feel tooth sensitivity afterwards, especially to cold food or drinks. This usually goes away in a day or two. You might also notice your teeth feel slightly different right after the cleaning. That’s normal and means the tartar has been removed. As long as the treatment is done gently and regularly, there are no lasting side effects.
How Often Should You Get It Done?
Many people have a scale and polish every six months as part of their check-up. If you have gum disease or a lot of tartar build-up, your dentist may suggest doing it more often. This treatment helps prevent gum problems, tooth decay, and bad breath. It also keeps your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Children and adults both benefit from regular cleanings. If you brush and floss every day, a scale and polish will be quicker and easier. Regular visits, along with good habits at home, can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
How to Keep Teeth Whiter After Treatment
After a scale and polish, there are easy ways to keep your teeth clean and bright. Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth. Rinse your mouth after drinking coffee, tea, or juice. Try to avoid smoking, as it causes heavy staining. You can also use a straw for dark drinks to stop them from touching your teeth. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables helps clean your teeth naturally. Visiting your dentist regularly keeps your mouth in top shape and helps your smile stay bright for longer.
Brighten Your Smile at Oldmachar Dental Care
If you’re looking to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and brighter, Oldmachar Dental Care is here to help. Our friendly team offers professional scale and polish treatments as part of routine check-ups to leave your teeth feeling fresh and smooth. Whether you’re an NHS or private patient, we ensure your comfort and care come first. Book your appointment today and take the next step towards a healthier, more confident smile with Oldmachar Dental Care.
FAQs – Does a Scale and Polish Whiten Your Teeth?
Will my teeth look whiter straight after a scale and polish?
Yes, your teeth may look cleaner and slightly brighter after a scale and polish. This is because the dentist removes plaque and surface stains. However, it won’t change the natural colour of your teeth like a whitening treatment does. The effect is more about freshness than full whitening.
Can I do a scale and polish at home?
No, a proper scale and polish should be done by a dentist or dental hygienist. Home brushing helps, but it cannot remove hardened tartar. Using hard tools at home can damage your teeth or gums. It’s safer to get this treatment done professionally.
Is a scale and polish safe for everyone?
Yes, it’s a safe and common treatment for most people. Dentists adjust the technique if you have sensitive gums or other dental issues. It’s even safe for children and older adults. If you have concerns, always speak to your dentist before the procedure.
How long do the results of a scale and polish last?
The clean and smooth feeling can last several weeks. But how long your teeth stay bright depends on your habits. Drinking coffee, smoking, or poor brushing can bring back stains quickly. With good care, you can enjoy the results until your next check-up.
Can I eat right after a scale and polish?
Yes, you can eat afterwards, but it’s best to wait 30 minutes. Choose soft, non-acidic foods if your teeth feel sensitive. Avoid very hot or cold food for the first few hours. Drinking water helps rinse your mouth and keep it feeling fresh.