Scaling and polishing is a professional dental cleaning treatment that removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. It helps keep your gums healthy, reduces the risk of gum disease and bad breath, and leaves your teeth feeling cleaner and smoother. Regular cleaning also supports long-term oral health.
You may need it if your wisdom tooth is impacted, painful, swollen, infected, difficult to clean, or affecting nearby teeth and gums. A dental examination and X-ray can confirm this.
Red, puffy, or tender gums can suggest irritation and inflammation that may improve with professional dental cleaning.
Persistent bad breath may be caused by plaque, tartar, and bacteria collecting around the teeth and gum line.
Surface stains from food, drinks, or smoking can build up over time and make teeth appear duller.
Hardened tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and usually requires professional scaling to clean properly.
Tender gums may indicate plaque accumulation and early gum irritation that should be addressed before it worsens.
Teeth that feel rough or coated may have plaque or tartar buildup that needs professional cleaning.
If it has been many months since your last dental cleaning, plaque and tartar may already be accumulating.
Different approaches are used depending on the position, condition and preferred outcome.
Scaling and polishing removes plaque, tartar, and stains to improve gum health, freshen breath, and keep teeth clean.
ProphyJet uses pressurised air, water, and powder to gently remove surface stains and plaque from the teeth.
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For urgent matters and dental emergencies, please call the clinic at (65) 6288 4995 instead.
At Maple Dental, we are approved for most government subsidies, and also try our best to be a partner of most insurance panels, so that you can be rest assured that your visit is covered as much as possible.
Your dentist will first examine your teeth and gums to check for plaque buildup, tartar, gum inflammation, and any early signs of gum disease. This helps determine the condition of your oral health and whether a routine cleaning is suitable or if further gum treatment may be needed.
Special dental instruments are used to remove plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces and around the gum line. This is the most important part of the cleaning process, as tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone at home.
After scaling, the teeth are polished to smooth the surfaces and remove light stains. In some cases, air polishing such as ProphyJet may be used to target surface discoloration more effectively. This step helps the teeth feel cleaner, smoother, and brighter.
Once the cleaning is completed, your mouth is rinsed and your dentist may review any areas that need better home care. You may also receive advice on brushing, flossing, and how often to return for professional cleaning to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Maple Dental focuses on creating a comfortable and transparent dental experience for every patient. When you come for your appointment, you benefit from a careful and open approach. There is no hard selling.
Dental care can be scary. We are gentle with you and attempt to reduce any discomfort and minimise pressure on your teeth or gums during treatment.
If you are anxious or sensitive, you will be guided through a calming process. Your comfort matters at every step of the visit.
You will always understand what is being done and why. Every step of the procedure is explained in simple and clear language.
Children, teenagers, adults and seniors all receive custom care according to their needs.
Every six months is ideal for most patients. If you smoke, consume frequent coloured beverages or have early gum inflammation, you may be advised to come every three to four months.
Most patients feel only mild vibration and light pressure. If your gums are sensitive, you can request breaks or a slower pace. Your comfort is always prioritised.
No. Scaling targets tartar and plaque, not your enamel. When performed by a trained dentist, it is completely safe.
Polishing does not change the natural shade of your teeth but it removes surface stains, making your smile appear cleaner and brighter.
Yes. You can eat once you feel comfortable. If your gums feel slightly tender, softer foods may be more pleasant for a few hours.
Bleeding is usually a sign of gum inflammation. Removing tartar allows your gums to heal. Bleeding reduces significantly with consistent cleaning.
No. Deep cleaning targets bacteria beneath the gumline and may require more than one visit. Routine scaling focuses on superficial surfaces.
Yes. Removing bacterial buildup is one of the most effective ways to treat persistent bad breath.
Yes. Scaling and polishing are safe during pregnancy and often recommended because gums may be more prone to gum bleeding during this time.
Yes. Children can also develop plaque and tartar. Regular cleaning helps protect their teeth and promotes good habits from a young age.
If we’ve addressed all your queries on this website, then schedule your Dental Health Check now!
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Mon to Fri: 9am to 1pm; 2pm to 5pm; 6pm to 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am to 1pm; 2pm to 5pm
Public Holidays: Closed
Blk 204 Hougang St 21, #01-99, Singapore 530204
Tel: (65) 6288 4995
WhatsApp: +65 9131 0330
Email: enquiries@mapledental.sg
