Good oral hygiene involves more than just brushing and flossing. One step in keeping your teeth healthy is getting a professional scale and polish.
But how often should you schedule this treatment?
At Zenith Dental Clinic, we’ve gathered recommendations to help you keep your teeth in top condition.
What is a Scale and Polish?
A scale and polish is a professional cleaning treatment performed by a hygienist. The scale part involves removing plaque, tartar, and build-up from the teeth. This is by using specialised tools. The polish component helps to smooth the surface of the teeth. This helps to give them a fresh, clean appearance and prevents future plaque buildup.
Pain Points That Might Lead Someone to Get a Scale and Polish
People visit the dentist for a scale and polish because they’re experiencing certain pain points. These can include:
- Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): Accumulation of plaque and tartar can lead to unpleasant odours in the mouth. This can make you feel self-conscious.
- Discolouration and Staining: Coffee, tea, and certain foods can cause staining over time. This leads people to seek professional cleaning for a whiter, brighter smile.
- Gum Issues: Gingivitis (gum inflammation) can occur when plaque hardens into tartar along the gums. This can cause redness, swelling, or bleeding during brushing. A scale and polish can remove this build-up and reduce the risk of more serious gum disease.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Sometimes, built-up plaque or tartar can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Professional cleaning can relieve discomfort and protect your teeth from further damage.
How Often Should You Get a Scale and Polish?
The frequency of scale and polish treatments varies depending on your individual needs. In general, most people should visit the dentist every 6 to 12 months for a professional clean. However, certain factors can affect how often you need this treatment:
- Oral Hygiene Habits: If you brush and floss your teeth regularly and effectively, you may need fewer cleanings. However, if your routine is lacking, you may benefit from more frequent visits.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Those who consume substances like coffee, wine, or tobacco might need frequent cleanings to maintain a whiter smile.
- Gum Health: If you have a history of gum disease or plaque buildup, your dentist may recommend frequent visits to ensure your gums stay healthy.
- Age and Health: Older adults or those with health conditions may need frequent dental cleanings.
At Zenith Dental Clinic, our expert dental hygienists will assess your oral health. From this, we can tailor a cleaning schedule to best suit your needs. Regular scale and polish treatments are crucial for preventing gum disease and cavities, while keeping your smile healthy and radiant.
Benefits of a Scale and Polish
There are several key benefits to getting regular scale and polish treatments:
- Prevents Gum Disease. Regular cleaning removes plaque that can lead to gingivitis or gum disease.
- Improves Oral Health. Clean teeth are less likely to develop cavities, and a smooth surface makes it harder for plaque to stick.
- Enhances Appearance. Stains and discolouration are removed, leaving you with a fresher, brighter smile.
- Fresher Breath. Professional cleaning helps remove bacteria that cause bad breath. This leaves your mouth feeling cleaner and more refreshed.
Conclusion: Schedule Your Next Scale and Polish
Regular professional cleanings are an essential part of your overall oral care routine. Scale and polish treatments are usually recommended every 6-12 months. Your dentist will offer personalised advice tailored to your needs.
Don’t wait for your oral health to decline. Schedule your appointment at Zenith Dental Clinic today. Our team will ensure that your teeth remain healthy and clean.
