What is Dental Cleaning & Polishing?

Cleaning and polishing are professional dental procedures done to:

• Remove plaque (soft bacterial film)

• Remove tartar / calculus (hardened plaque)

• Eliminate surface stains

• Make teeth smooth and shiny

It’s also known as oral prophylaxis or dental scaling & polishing.

What Happens During the Procedure?

1. Initial Oral Check-Up

• The dentist or hygienist examines your teeth and gums to assess:

  • Plaque buildup

  • Tartar deposits

  • Gum inflammation

  • Signs of bleeding or infection

2. Scaling (Deep Cleaning)

• Uses ultrasonic scaler (vibrating tool with water spray) to break up and remove:

  • Tartar around gumline

  • Plaque deposits

  • Surface stains (from tea, coffee, tobacco)

• Manual scalers may also be used to reach tight spaces.

3. Polishing

• A rotating rubber cup is used with a gritty polishing paste (usually mint-flavored).

• Smooths the tooth surfaces after scaling.

• Removes minor stains and makes teeth shiny.

• Feels like a mild “tickling” or scrubbing sensation.

4. Rinse & Final Check

• Your mouth is rinsed.

• The dentist may apply fluoride or give post-cleaning advice if needed.

Why It’s Important

 Is It Painful?

• No, it’s usually not painful — but it can feel a bit sensitive or uncomfortable if:

  • You have inflamed gums

  • There’s a lot of tartar buildup

  • Your teeth are naturally sensitive

Aftercare Tips

• Avoid eating or drinking anything colored (tea, coffee, soda, beetroot) for a few hours to avoid staining freshly cleaned teeth.

• You may feel some sensitivity for a day or two — use a desensitizing toothpaste if needed.

• Maintain good oral hygiene (brush 2x daily, floss, rinse).

• Rinse with warm salt water if your gums feel sore.

• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco — they stain and irritate gums.

How Often Should You Get It Done?