Professional Teeth Cleaning (Scale and Polish) – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Keep gums healthy, prevent cavities, and enjoy that fresh, polished feel. Professional teeth cleaning at Gentle Care Smile removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains that regular brushing can’t, supporting long-term oral health and a brighter smile.

Professional Teeth Cleaning (Scale and Polish) – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Professional Teeth Cleaning (Scale and Polish) – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Keep gums healthy, prevent cavities, and enjoy that fresh, polished feel. Professional teeth cleaning at Gentle Care Smile removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains that regular brushing can’t, supporting long-term oral health and a brighter smile.

What is a Professional Clean?

What is a Professional Clean?

A professional clean (often called a “scale and polish”) is a routine preventive treatment performed by a dentist or hygienist to:

A professional clean (often called a “scale and polish”) is a routine preventive treatment performed by a dentist or hygienist to:

A professional clean (often called a “scale and polish”) is a routine preventive treatment performed by a dentist or to:

Remove soft plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from above and along the gumline

Smooth and polish tooth surfaces to make new plaque slower to stick

Lift superficial stains from food, drinks, and smoking for a fresher look

Regular cleaning helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay, improves breath, and keeps teeth feeling smooth and clean between visits.

Why it Matters

Why it Matters

Most people benefit from a cleaning every six months; some may need more frequent visits based on their gum health and tartar buildup.

  • Helps prevent gum disease (gingivitis/periodontitis) by removing plaque and tartar that irritate gums
  • Reduces risk of cavities by disrupting bacteria and acids that attack enamel
  • Fresher breath by reducing odour-causing bacteria and buildup
  • Supports overall oral health with early detection during routine exams

What to Expect at Your Visit

What to Expect at Your Visit

Examination

A quick check of teeth and gums; X‑rays only if clinically needed.

Scaling

Precise removal of plaque and tartar using ultrasonic and/or manual instruments.

Polishing

Smooth, glossy finish to reduce future buildup and remove surface stains.

Advice

Personalised home‑care tips for brushing, flossing/interdental cleaning, and fluoride use.

Treatments are designed to be comfortable; local anaesthetic can be offered for sensitive areas when required.

Is it the Same as a Deep Clean?

Is it the Same as a Deep Clean?

A routine scale and polish maintains healthy gums above the gumline. If gum pockets are deeper or there are signs of periodontal disease, a deeper procedure called scaling and root planing may be recommended to clean below the gumline.

How Often Should I Book?

How Often Should I Book?

  • Generally, every 6 months for prevention and maintenance
  • Higher risk (rapid tartar buildup, gum sensitivity, braces, smokers): every 3–4 months as advised
  • After periodontal treatment: tailored intervals to keep gums stable

Who Benefits Most?

Who Benefits Most?

  • Anyone who wants to prevent gum disease and cavities

  • Patients with stains from coffee, tea, wine, or smoking

  • People wearing braces or aligners (harder-to-clean areas)

  • Those with a history of gum issues or bad breath

Aftercare Tips

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; clean between teeth daily
  • Rinse after staining foods/drinks and limit frequent snacking
  • Consider a custom mouthguard if grinding is present
  • Follow your dentist’s recall interval for consistent results

Aftercare Tips

Aftercare Tips

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; clean between teeth daily
  • Rinse after staining foods/drinks and limit frequent snacking
  • Consider a custom mouthguard if grinding is present
  • Follow your dentist’s recall interval for consistent results

FAQs

FAQs

Will it hurt?

Professional cleaning shouldn’t be painful. For sensitivity, numbing options are available to keep visits comfortable.

Yes—teeth feel smoother and cleaner after plaque, tartar, and surface stains are removed.

A cleaning removes surface stains and can make teeth appear brighter; for deeper colour changes, ask about professional whitening.

Most cleans take around 30–45 minutes, depending on buildup and individual needs.

Typically, every six months, the adjustment is made to personal risk and gum health.

Ready for a fresher, healthier smile? Book a professional clean with our gentle team at Gentle Care Smile.