Plaque hardens into tartar within days, and once it does, no toothbrush will remove it. Tartar sitting along the gumline is the main reason gums bleed and recede.
Scaling uses ultrasonic vibration and water to break tartar off the tooth surface and from just under the gumline. Polishing afterwards smooths the enamel so plaque takes longer to build up again.
A cleaning does not weaken or loosen your teeth — a common worry. What feels loose afterwards was already loose, held in place by the tartar packed around it.
What the treatment includes
- Full-mouth ultrasonic scaling
- Polishing
- Gum health check
- Brushing and flossing guidance for your specific problem areas
Worth knowing
Most people benefit from a cleaning every six months. Smokers, and anyone with diabetes or bleeding gums, usually need it more often.
Questions about teeth cleaning & scaling
Does scaling damage the enamel?
No. The instrument works on tartar, not enamel. Sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal and settles.
My gums bleed when I brush. Should I stop brushing there?
No — bleeding is a sign of inflammation, and stopping makes it worse. Get it checked; it is usually early gum disease and very treatable at that stage.