Regular visits with your dental hygienist are essential for maintaining excellent oral health.
Even with a good home care routine, plaque and bacteria can build-up in hard-to-reach areas.
Whilst the end goal of clean, healthy looking teeth and gums remains the same, the treatment options available are varied.
From traditional teeth cleaning techniques such as a scale and polish to more modern options like air flow dental cleaning, each treatment is designed to leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
In this article we will explore both scale and polish and air flow dental cleaning, explaining how they work, how they differ, who they’re best suited for, and why regular dental hygiene appointments play such an important role in long-term oral health.
Why Professional Cleaning is Necessary
Plaque forms continuously on teeth and gums. When not removed, it hardens into tartar which cannot be removed with brushing or flossing.
It requires professional instruments and clinical training.
Professional cleaning helps to:
• Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
• Prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease
• Maintain fresh breath and cleaner tooth surfaces
What Is A Scale and Polish?
The scale and polish is a traditional and highly effective dental cleaning treatment designed to remove harden plaque (tartar) from above and below the gum line.
Unlike soft plaque, tartar cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone and requires professional care.
How Does A Scale and Polish Work?
Scaling removes tartar using:
• Hand instruments for precision
• An ultrasonic scaler using vibration and water
These tools disrupt bacterial deposits and reduce gum inflammation.
Once the teeth have been thoroughly scaled, the polishing stage smooths the tooth surfaces using a rotating brush and polishing paste.
This not only leaves the teeth feeling clean and smooth but also helps reduce areas where plaque is likely to build up in the future.
Who Is A Scale and Polish Recommended For?
A scale and polish is advised for patients with:
• Visible tartar build-up
• Bleeding, swollen or inflamed gums
• Early or established gum disease
• Longer gaps between hygiene appointments
Overall, a scale and polish is a health-focused treatment that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease.
What Is Air Flow Dental Cleaning?
Also known as air polishing, this modern dental cleaning technique is designed to gently and effectively remove soft plaque, biofilm and surface stains from the teeth.
How Does Air Flow Work?
Air flow uses a controlled mix of:
• Warm water
• Pressurised air
• Fine cleaning powder
This combination cleans tooth surfaces without scraping.
What Is Air Flow Best For?
Air flow is effective for:
• Tea, coffee and red wine staining
• Smoking-related stains
• Cleaning around braces, implants, crowns and veneers.
It is not designed to remove hardened tartar but is an excellent maintenance treatment and is often used after scaling to enhance comfort and improve cosmetic results.
What Are The Key Differences Between Scale and Polish and Air Flow?
Whilst both methods are classed as dental cleaning treatments, they are different.
| Feature | Scale & Polish | Air Flow |
| Purpose | Health-focused treatment to improve gum health | Stain-focused treatment for cosmetic cleaning |
| Build-up Removed | Hard tartar and soft plaque | Soft plaque and surface stains only |
| Comfort | May involve pressure or vibration | Usually gentler and more comfortable |
| Results | Improves gum health and reduces inflammation | Provides instant cosmetic brightness |
By understanding the difference between the treatments, you can feel confident that your hygiene appointment is tailored specifically to you and your smile.
Which Dental Cleaning Will You Need?
Whether you need a scale and polish, air flow or a combination of both depends on your individual oral health needs.
Factors such as your gum health, the amount of plaque or tartar build-up, and the level of surface staining on your teeth all play an important role.
Your dental hygienist will carry out an assessment during your appointment and will recommend the most effective treatment for you.
In many cases, appointments include both scaling and air flow, as this approach addresses both gum health and cosmetic concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is One Dental Cleaning Better Than The Other?
No, it is important to remember that neither treatment is better than the other.
Instead, they serve different purposes and are often most effective when used together.
Air flow does not replace scaling, as it cannot remove hardened tartar, while scaling alone may not fully remove surface stains.
Combining the two allows for the best overall results, leaving your teeth healthier, cleaner and brighter.
Does Dental Cleaning Whiten Your Teeth?
While a scale and polish and air flow polishing can make your teeth look noticeably brighter, they are not the same as professional teeth whitening.
Whitening treatments work differently by bleaching the natural shade of the tooth enamel.
Cleaning treatments do not alter the internal colour of the teeth, they simply reveal the natural shade that may have been hidden beneath surface staining.
Dental cleaning is often recommended before starting the process of teeth whitening.
How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning Treatment?
You should actively see your dental hygienist every 3-6 months.
This is dependent on your gum health, smoking habits, tooth staining and at home care.
Dental Hygiene Treatment at Cheslyn Hay Dental Practice
Maintaining healthy, fresh-looking teeth and gums starts with effective dental hygiene treatments, which are the most reliable way to achieve outstanding results.
At Cheslyn Hay Dental Practice, we offer both professional teeth cleaning and advanced airflow polishing to help keep your smile bright and healthy.
Our friendly, experienced team is dedicated to supporting every patient, with a particular focus on providing gentle, reassuring care for nervous patients.
Contact us today to book your next hygiene appointment and take the next step towards a smile you can feel confident wearing.
