Scale And Polish: What To Expect And Why It Matters

If you’ve ever had a dental hygiene appointment, you’ve likely heard the term “scale and polish.” But what exactly does it involve — and why is it so important for your oral health?

Whether you’re due for a cleaning or just curious, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about scale and polish treatments in London, including what happens during the visit, its benefits to you and how often you should have one.

📍 This article supports our main Dental Hygienist London page at Whites Dental – with clinics in London Waterloo and Marble Arch.

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🧼 What Is A Scale And Polish?

A scale & polish is a teeth cleaning procedure carried out by a professional – a dental hygienist. It is performed to remove plaque, tartar and any surface stains that may have built up on and around your teeth. Plaque and tartar are often difficult to remove yourself at home with regular brushing.

🔍 Scale = deep cleaning

• Uses ultrasonic or manual tools
• Removes hardened plaque (tartar) above and below the gum line
• Helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay

✨ Polish = stain removal & shine

• Uses a high-speed polishing brush or rubber cup
• Smoothens the surface of your teeth
• Helps brighten and refresh your smile

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🤔 Why Is Scale And Polish Important?

Many patients assume that brushing twice a day is enough — but even with the best at-home care, plaque can harden into tartar. Once that happens, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

✅ Key benefits:

🦷 Prevents gingivitis and gum disease
🪥 Keeps teeth looking cleaner and whiter
👃 Reduces bad breath (halitosis)
🦠 Removes bacteria build up under the gum line
🩺 Allows for early identification of any oral health related issues
💬 Gives personalised oral hygiene advice

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🪥 What To Expect During Your Appointment

At Whites Dental in London, a scale and polish appointment typically lasts 30–45 minutes and is carried out by a highly trained dental hygienist.

Here is what you can expect during your appointment:

👩‍⚕️ Step 1: Gum & plaque assessment

Your hygienist examines your gums, looking for signs of inflammation, recession, or bleeding. They’ll also assess plaque buildup.

🧊 Step 2: Scaling

Using an ultrasonic scaler, the hygienist gently removes tartar from your teeth and around the gumline. Manual tools may also be used to clean hard-to-reach areas.

You can expect to experience vibrations or water spray during treatment — but the procedure itself is usually pain-free.

💎 Step 3: Polishing

After that, a high speed dental polishing brush and grit like paste are used to then polish your teeth. This helps to remove any surface stains that might exit and leaves your teeth feeling fresh.

🧑‍🏫 Step 4: Advice & prevention

Finally, your hygienist offers tailored oral care advice, including brushing techniques, flossing tips, and dietary guidance to prevent future buildup.

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📍 Where Can I Have A Scale And Polish Treatment In London?

At Whites Dental, we offer professional scale and polish treatments at both of our Central London clinics:

📌 Our Locations:

• Waterloo – near Southwark, London Bridge & The Cut
• Marble Arch – close to Oxford Street and Hyde Park

✅ No referral needed
✅ Same-day & Saturday appointments
✅ Private hygienist treatments from just £85

👉 Book Your Hygiene Appointment Now

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⏰ How Often Should You Have A Scale And Polish?

Most patients benefit from a scale and polish every 6 months, but some people need more frequent visits — especially if they’re at higher risk of gum disease.

📅 Recommendations:

• Healthy adults: Every 6 months
• Smokers or diabetics: Every 3–4 months
• Braces or aligner wearers: Every 3–4 months
• Pregnant women: Every 3–6 months
• Children & teens: Every 6 months (or as advised)

Your hygienist will inform you how often you should have a scale and polish based on your oral health.

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⚠️ What If You Don’t Get A Scale And Polish?

Skipping regular cleanings can lead to:

❌ Tartar buildup and yellow staining
❌ Bleeding, swollen gums
❌ Chronic bad breath
❌ Gum recession or periodontal disease
❌ Tooth mobility and eventual loss

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — and it often starts silently.

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🏥 NHS Vs. Private Scale And Polish In London

NHS:

• Often needs an explicit referral from an NHS dentist
• Shorter appointments
• May have long waiting times in London

Private (Whites Dental):

• No referral needed
• Longer, more thorough cleanings
• Immediate availability
• Gentle approach in a modern setting

Looking for a private dental hygienist near Waterloo or Marble Arch?
👉 Contact Whites Dental Today

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😬 Does It Hurt?

Most patients usually find a scale and polish quite comfortable, especially so if it has been done regularly. Some sensitivity may occur if:

• It’s your first cleaning in a long time
• You have deep levels of tartar below your gum line
• You have gum inflammation

💡 Tip: Let your hygienist know if you’re nervous — we’re happy to go slow and explain each step.

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💬 FAQs: Scale And Polish London

❓ Can I book a hygienist without seeing a dentist?

Yes. At Whites Dental, you can book directly with our hygienists — no check-up required.

❓ Will a scale and polish whiten my teeth?

It removes stains from tea, coffee, smoking, and food — making your teeth look visibly brighter. For further whitening, ask about teeth whitening options.

❓ Is it suitable for sensitive teeth?

Yes, though we may use manual tools or gentler polishing if needed.

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🗓️ Book Your Scale And Polish In London Today

At Whites Dental, our main ethos is that prevention is much better than cure. Our friendly, experienced hygienists offer gentle, effective scale and polish treatments in a relaxed environment.

📍 Visit us in Waterloo SE1 or Marble Arch W2
📅 Same-day and Saturday appointments
💳 Affordable prices and no referral needed

👉 Book Your Scale and Polish Today
🦷 Cleaner teeth. Healthier gums. Fresher breath.

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🔗 Related Articles

• How Often Should You Visit A Dental Hygienist?
• Scale And Polish: What To Expect And Why It Matters
• Bleeding Gums When Brushing? Here’s Why You Should See a Hygienist