How often can I have a scale and polish?

Getting your teeth cleaned regularly is an important part of maintaining good oral health. A professional dental cleaning, which is sometimes called a dental prophylaxis or a scale and polish, removes plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth and cause tooth decay and gum disease. But how often should you actually get a scale and polish? Here’s a look at the recommended frequency for dental cleanings.

What is a scale and polish?

A scale and polish is a professional cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. It involves two main components:

  • Scaling: This removes tartar (hardened plaque) and stains from your teeth. The dental professional uses specialized dental instruments called scalers to scrape the tartar off above and below the gumline.
  • Polishing: This smoothes and shines the surface of the teeth after scaling. A rubber cup or brush with polishing paste is used to buff away rough spots and remaining stains.

Some additional steps that may be included in a scale and polish are:

  • Flossing: Floss is used to remove plaque and debris between teeth.
  • Fluoride treatment: A fluoride gel, rinse, or varnish may be applied to help protect your teeth from decay.
  • Oral cancer screening: The dentist or hygienist will check your face, neck, lips, and entire mouth for signs of oral cancer.

Why get regular scale and polish treatments?

Regular professional teeth cleanings provide a number of important oral and overall health benefits:

  • Removes plaque: Plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. A scale and polish removes built-up plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Prevents tartar buildup: Scaling removes tartar, which traps even more plaque against your teeth if left untreated.
  • Freshens breath: Removing plaque and tartar also removes odor-causing bacteria.
  • Detects problems: The dentist can spot signs of decay and other issues during the cleaning.
  • Removes stains: Polishing smooths stains on the enamel to brighten your smile.
  • Prevents disease: Regular cleanings help keep your gums healthy and prevent periodontal disease.

How often should you get a scale and polish?

Most dental professionals recommend having a professional cleaning and oral exam twice per year. Here are some general guidelines on how often you should get a scale and polish based on your needs:

  • For healthy patients with good oral hygiene: Every 6 to 12 months.
  • If you have gingivitis: Every 3 to 4 months.
  • If you have periodontitis: Every 3 months.
  • If you wear braces or dental appliances: Every 3 to 6 months.
  • If you smoke or chew tobacco: Every 3 to 4 months.
  • If you have a history of oral cancer: Every 3 months.
  • If you have dental implants: Every 3 to 6 months.

However, your dentist may recommend more or less frequent cleanings based on your individual risk factors such as diet, medications, medical conditions, oral hygiene habits, and more. Be sure to follow your dentist’s customized recommendations for getting your teeth scaled and polished.

Your first pre-treatment scale and polish

If you are seeing a new dentist for the first time, your first visit will likely include a thorough cleaning. This pre-treatment scale and polish serves several important purposes:

  • Removes heavy plaque and tartar buildup if you have not had a cleaning in a long time
  • Allows the dentist to evaluate your oral health status and look for signs of disease
  • Provides a clean surface for the dentist to examine your teeth and take clear x-rays
  • Establishes a baseline so future plaque and tartar accumulation can be monitored

Arriving with heavy plaque and tartar makes it difficult for the dentist to properly diagnose any underlying issues. The pre-treatment scale and polish removes these barriers and allows for a comprehensive exam.

What to expect during a scale and polish

Here’s an overview of what typically happens during a professional dental cleaning:

  1. Review medical and dental history: The dental professional will ask about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, and prior dental work.
  2. Oral cancer screening: The outside of your face and neck will be examined for abnormalities.
  3. Plaque and tartar removal: Tartar above and below your gumline is scraped away with scaling instruments.
  4. Tooth polishing: A rubber cup with polishing paste is used to buff stains off of tooth surfaces.
  5. Fluoride treatment: A fluoride gel or rinse may be used to help protect your teeth.
  6. Oral hygiene instructions: You may be advised about proper flossing and brushing techniques.
  7. Additional procedures: X-rays, bite evaluation, or other needed procedures may be performed.

Plan for your cleaning appointment to take 30-60 minutes depending on your needs. Your teeth may feel very smooth and clean after the scale and polish.

Any risks or side effects?

A professional dental cleaning is very low risk. However, some people may experience:

  • Tooth sensitivity: You may have temporary sensitivity to hot and cold. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help.
  • Gum soreness: Your gums may be sore for several days. Brushing and flossing gently can help.
  • Stained tongue: The scaler may dislodge surface stains on your tongue. This is temporary.
  • Inhaling or swallowing water: You may inhale or swallow the water used during the cleaning. Tell your dentist if you feel uncomfortable.

Talk to your dentist right away if you have any concerns after your cleaning.

Getting the most out of your scale and polish

To maximize the benefits of your professional dental cleaning, be sure to do the following:

  • Brush at least twice daily: Brush your teeth in the morning, at night, and after meals.
  • Floss daily: Floss between all of your teeth to remove plaque.
  • Use antimicrobial rinses: An oral rinse can reduce plaque between cleanings.
  • Watch your diet: Reduce your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay.
  • Get any recommended treatment: If gum disease is detected, you may need more frequent cleanings or dental procedures.

Talk to your dentist about the best oral hygiene practices to benefit your teeth between your scale and polish appointments.

Professional vs. DIY dental cleanings

While brushing and flossing daily are essential, a professional dental cleaning provides benefits that at-home oral hygiene cannot match. Reasons to get a scale and polish from your dentist rather than trying to clean your own teeth include:

  • Removes tartar below the gumline: A professional cleaning removes the tartar that builds up under your gums which you can’t reach with a toothbrush or floss.
  • Polishes tooth surfaces: Your toothbrush can’t replicate the shiny, smooth finish of a professional polish.
  • Allows gum disease evaluation: Your dentist examines your gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis.
  • Removes stains effectively: Deep and surface stains that resist brushing and off-the-shelf whitening products can be removed profesionally.
  • Provides oral cancer screening: Your dentist screens your whole mouth for potential problems.
  • Applies fluoride treatments: In-office fluoride is more potent and effective than toothpastes.

While home care is essential between visits, your own oral hygiene routine cannot substitute for professional cleanings.

Cost of a scale and polish

The cost for a routine dental cleaning typically includes:

  • Comprehensive oral exam: $50-$100
  • Full mouth dental x-rays: $100-$200
  • Scale and polish: $75-$200

Additional services like fluoride treatments may be extra. Without insurance, you can expect to pay $225-$500 for a checkup, x-rays, and cleaning. However, most dental insurance plans cover two routine cleanings per year at no cost or low cost to the patient.

Can I get a scale and polish while pregnant?

Getting your teeth professionally cleaned during pregnancy is highly recommended by most dentists. Good oral health is especially important during pregnancy because hormonal changes can put pregnant women at increased risk for dental problems like gingivitis. Scaling and polishing the teeth removes plaque and tartar, prevents gum inflammation and infection, and may help reduce the risk of passing oral bacteria to your baby.

For a safe and comfortable cleaning, be sure to tell your dentist you are pregnant. They will take extra precautions such as:

  • Using protective shields over your abdomen
  • Allowing time for position changes
  • Avoiding x-rays when possible
  • Prescribing pregnancy-safe oral rinses and antibiotics

Get any dental treatment needed�?including cavity fillings or periodontal procedures�?in your second trimester. Most dentists recommend scheduling your cleaning in the latter half of your second trimester up to your due date.

Tips for a better scale and polish experience

Here are some tips to help you have a smooth, comfortable dental visit for your scale and polish:

  • Arrive early – Come 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • Relax – Take slow, deep breaths if you experience anxiety or discomfort.
  • Communicate – Tell your dentist if you have any sensitivities or pain during the process.
  • Ask questions – Seek clarification on any dental health topics from your professional.
  • Stay hydrated – Drink water before and after to prevent feeling lightheaded.
  • Keep your head level – Don’t tilt your head back too far as this can cause you to gag or swallow excess water.
  • Use earbuds – Listen to soothing music to stay calm and distracted.
  • Avoid eating right before – Give yourself at least an hour buffer after eating since your appointment requires holding your mouth open.

Staying relaxed and communicating with your dental professional can help you have the most comfortable scale and polish experience.

Takeaways

Here are some key tips to remember about getting a professional dental scale and polish:

  • Aim for twice yearly cleanings to maintain oral health.
  • Tell your dentist about any oral health issues or medical conditions.
  • Scaling removes tartar above and below the gumline.
  • Polishing smoothes and shines the teeth after they are scaled.
  • Cleanings remove plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
  • Your dentist may perform additional services like fluoride treatments, x-rays, or a cancer screening.
  • Brush and floss daily between your scale and polish appointments.
  • Professional cleanings are more thorough and effective than doing it yourself at home.
  • Schedule a visit during pregnancy for gum disease prevention and oral bacteria reduction.
  • Relaxation techniques and an empty stomach can provide a more comfortable experience.

Regular professional scale and polish treatments are a vital part of caring for your teeth and preventing oral health problems. Work with your dentist to determine a cleaning schedule that meets your individual dental needs.

Frequency Recommendation
Healthy patients Every 6-12 months
Gingivitis patients Every 3-4 months
Periodontitis patients Every 3 months
Braces or appliance wearers Every 3-6 months
Tobacco users Every 3-4 months
History of oral cancer Every 3 months
Dental implant patients Every 3-6 months

This table summarizes the general recommendations for how often patients should receive a dental scale and polish based on their specific oral health status and risk factors. However, always consult your individual dentist for their professional recommendation on the ideal cleaning schedule for you.

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