A scale and polish can be done by your dentist or hygienist.

The first ‘scrape’ stage removes the deposits of plaque and tartar. Often an ultrasound scraper is used first to get rid of the bulk of the tartar, followed by specialized hand held instruments to scrape away any stubborn remains.

The next step is to 'polish' the teeth to make the surface really smooth. While polishing removes stains leaving teeth bright and shiny, it is not just a cosmetic procedure. It also smoothes away minor imperfections and patches of rough texture on the teeth to protect against further plaque build up.

Your dentist will advise you how often you should have a scale and polish. It's important to remember that professional cleaning is an addition to a good daily oral health routine, and should never replace twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. They may recommend using a toothpaste such as Corsodyl Toothpaste to help remove plaque between visits to the dentist.