A dental cleaning, also known as a scale and polish, is a preventive treatment carried out by a dental hygienist or dentist. It involves the professional removal of plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains from your teeth.
Even with excellent brushing habits, certain areas are hard to reach. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by regular brushing alone. That’s where a professional cleaning comes in—to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent future problems.
Prevent gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Remove plaque and tartar build-up
Reduce the risk of cavities and tooth loss
Maintain fresh breath
Keep your smile looking clean and bright
Support long-term oral and overall health
Spot early signs of dental issues before they become serious
At York House Dental Practice, we make sure every dental cleaning is comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your needs. Here’s what you can expect:
We begin with a thorough check of your teeth and gums to assess your overall oral health and identify any signs of gum inflammation, tartar build-up, or recession.
Using advanced ultrasonic tools and fine hand instruments, we carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from the surface of your teeth and beneath the gumline.
Once scaling is complete, we polish your teeth with a high-powered brush and gentle, gritty paste. This smooths the enamel and removes minor stains caused by food, drinks, or smoking.
We’ll floss between your teeth to clean areas that may have been missed and provide a rinse to wash away debris.
For extra protection, especially in patients prone to decay, we can apply a fluoride gel to help strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk.
Healthier gums and reduced inflammation
Prevention of plaque-related diseases
Early detection of dental issues
Improved breath freshness
Enhanced smile aesthetics
Saves money in the long run by avoiding major treatments
Boosts your overall health—links have been found between oral health and heart disease, diabetes, and more
Most people benefit from a dental cleaning every 6 months, but some may need more frequent visits (every 3–4 months), especially if you have:
A history of gum disease
Braces or dental implants
Smoking habits
Diabetes or other health concerns that affect your gums
We’ll guide you on the best schedule for your needs.
Post-cleaning care is simple but important for maintaining the results of your visit:
Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss or use interdental brushes daily
Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks
Limit tobacco and staining drinks (like coffee and red wine)
Stay hydrated to help saliva naturally clean your mouth
Keep up with routine cleanings and check-ups
If you’ve had a fluoride treatment, wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking to let it absorb fully.
Friendly, experienced hygienists and dentists
Modern, welcoming clinic in West Byfleet, Surrey
Gentle approach for nervous patients
Flexible appointments and online booking
Transparent advice and personalised care
NHS and private dental hygiene services available
We take the time to listen, educate, and help you maintain lifelong oral health.
Keep your smile healthy and fresh with regular dental cleanings at York House Dental Practice. We’re here to make your visit comfortable and worthwhile.
