What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning, often called a scale and polish, removes the plaque and tartar that your toothbrush can’t. Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. When it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar (dental calculus), which only a dentist or hygienist can take off.
Tartar sits along the gumline and between the teeth. It irritates the gums, makes them bleed and gives bacteria a place to hide. Over time this can lead from gingivitis, which is reversible, to periodontitis, where the support around the teeth starts to break down.
A regular clean keeps your gums healthy, freshens your breath and makes it easier to keep your teeth clean at home. It’s one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term dental health.
Who Is It For?
- Anyone who hasn’t had a professional clean in the last 6-12 months
- People whose gums bleed when brushing or flossing
- Coffee, tea and red wine drinkers who want to lift surface stains
- Long-stay visitors and nomads, such as those based in Canggu, who want to stay on schedule while away
- Anyone planning teeth whitening, which works best on clean teeth
What Happens During a Scale and Polish?
The visit starts with a quick check of your gums and teeth. Then an ultrasonic scaler, a small instrument that vibrates and sprays water, breaks up tartar so it can be rinsed away. Hand instruments are used for areas the scaler can’t reach.
Next comes polishing. A soft rubber cup with prophylaxis paste, or a fine jet of air polishing powder, removes surface stains and smooths the enamel. Finally, you may be offered a fluoride varnish to protect sensitive or decay-prone teeth.
Tip for visitors
If you’re also due a check-up, ask for both in one appointment. It saves a second trip across Bali traffic.
When a Deeper Clean Is Needed
If the dentist finds deep periodontal pockets, a routine clean isn’t enough. A deeper clean treats the root surfaces below the gumline, usually under local anaesthetic, and may be split over two or more visits. You’ll then need follow-up checks to make sure the gums are settling.
| Routine scale and polish | Deeper periodontal clean | |
|---|---|---|
| Usually suits | Healthy gums or early gingivitis | Gum disease with deep pockets (periodontitis) |
| Area cleaned | Tooth surfaces at and just below the gumline | Root surfaces deeper below the gumline |
| Anaesthetic | Not usually needed | Usually local anaesthetic |
| Visits | 1 | Often 2 or more, plus follow-up checks |
Looking After Your Teeth Afterwards
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Limit sugary drinks, including fresh juices and iced coffees
- Book your next clean for the interval your dentist suggests
Healthy gums after a clean should look pink and firm and shouldn’t bleed when you brush. If they still bleed after a couple of weeks of good cleaning, mention it at your next visit.
