A scale and clean is one of the most common dental procedures — and one of the most underrated. Many people see it as a box to tick, or skip it altogether when life gets busy. But a professional clean does things your toothbrush and floss simply cannot, and it plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth healthy for the long term.
Here’s exactly what happens during a scale and clean at Bilby Dental in Yarrabilba, and why it matters more than you might think.
When plaque — the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth — isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). This usually happens within 24 to 72 hours.
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it cannot be removed by brushing. It bonds firmly to the tooth surface and can only be removed with professional instruments. Tartar is porous and rough, which means it attracts more plaque and bacteria — creating a cycle that leads to gum disease and decay if left unaddressed.
A professional scale and clean has two main stages:
The dental hygienist or dentist uses specialised instruments — either an ultrasonic scaler (which uses vibrations and water to break up deposits) or hand scalers — to remove tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, including below the gumline. This is the part that can feel a little sensitive if there’s significant buildup or if your gums are inflamed.
Once the tartar is removed, a gritty polishing paste is applied using a rotating brush or rubber cup to buff the surfaces of your teeth. This removes surface stains and leaves your teeth smooth — a smooth surface is harder for plaque to cling to.
Your appointment will also include a check of your gum health, measuring pocket depths around each tooth to detect early signs of gum disease, as well as a full examination of your teeth for any signs of decay, wear, cracking, or other issues.
For most people, a scale and clean every six months is ideal. However, if you’re prone to heavy tartar build-up, have a history of gum disease, smoke, or have certain health conditions like diabetes, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits — every three to four months.
If it’s been a while since your last clean, don’t be embarrassed — we see it all the time and we’re here to help, not judge. The most important thing is to get back on track.
At Bilby Dental, a scale and clean is a routine part of every check-up appointment. We make the experience as comfortable as possible, and our team will give you personalised advice on how to maintain your results at home between visits. Book your appointment today — your gums will thank you.
For most people every six months keeps plaque and tartar under control, though your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you are prone to gum disease.
It is usually painless. You may feel mild sensitivity if there is a lot of tartar or your gums are inflamed, and your clinician can adjust to keep you comfortable.