What is a ‘dental clean?’

A dental clean is the technical name for a ‘scale and polish’. A scale and polish is a procedure carried out to remove the build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth.

This type of cleaning is one that many people are familiar with and is designed to leave you with nice, clean teeth.

If, however, you show early signs of gum disease then you may require what is called a ‘deep clean’ or ‘periodontal therapy’. This is undertaken to treat the signs of gingivitis (bleeding gums) which is caused by plaque and tartar deposits. If this is left untreated then the infection will work its way down to the foundations (or roots) of your tooth. This can then form a ‘gum pocket’ which is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

The deep clean involves a ‘scale’ and something called ‘root planing’. Basically, this means removing this infection and smoothing the surface of the roots.

The ordinary clean is the one that dentists most frequently perform. To learn more about this, visit our scale and polish section.

Dental Hygiene Index:

• What is dental hygiene?
• Why is it important?
• What does it involve?
• Why do I need to visit the dentist every 6 months?
• I don’t like visiting the dentist so what can I do?
• What is the best toothbrush to use?
• What is ‘flossing’?
• Does an antiseptic mouthwash help?

• What is a ‘dental clean?’
• Which toothpaste should I use?
• I have bad breath, how can I get rid of this?
• What is ‘gum disease?’
• Teeth Brushing
• The ‘Scale and Polish’ Procedure
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Hygiene Products