Scaling & Polishing in Singapore – Maintain a Healthy Smile
Scaling & Polishing
​Professional teeth cleaning — clinically known as scaling and polishing — is a preventive dental treatment designed to remove plaque, hardened tartar, and surface stains that daily brushing and flossing cannot fully eliminate. Over time, these deposits accumulate along the gum line and between teeth, increasing the risk of gum inflammation, tooth decay, and other oral health problems if left untreated.
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At Dentalis, scaling and polishing is approached as essential preventive care: calm, precise, and focused on protecting long-term oral health rather than cosmetic whitening. Each session is carried out by experienced dentists using modern ultrasonic technology designed for comfort and accuracy, with clear explanation at every step.
Regular scaling and polishing helps reduce harmful bacteria, prevent gum disease, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. In Singapore, this treatment is commonly recommended every six months, depending on individual gum condition and oral health needs.
What Is Scaling and Polishing?
Teeth cleaning is a professional dental procedure that involves two key steps: scaling and polishing.
Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar that accumulate along the gum line and between teeth. These deposits form even with good daily oral hygiene and can harbour harmful bacteria if left untreated. Polishing follows scaling and smooths the tooth surfaces, removing surface stains and making it harder for plaque to reattach.
Together, scaling and polishing support healthy teeth and gums by maintaining a cleaner oral environment and reducing inflammation at the gum line. This procedure is a core part of preventive dental care and plays an important role in maintaining overall dental health.
Why Professional Teeth Cleaning Matters for Oral Health
Plaque is a soft bacterial film that constantly forms on teeth. When it is not removed effectively, it can harden into tartar within days. Tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush and creates an environment where bacteria thrive.
Professional teeth cleaning helps:
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Prevent gum disease and risk of cavities by reducing plaque and tartar at the gum line
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Lower the risk of tooth decay caused by bacterial acids
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Reduce harmful bacteria linked to bad breath and inflammation
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Protect long-term oral health by keeping gums healthy and stable
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Support early detection of dental concerns during routine checks
Preventive care is always more predictable and less invasive than corrective treatment. Regular scaling and polishing allows dental issues to be identified early, often before symptoms appear.
What Happens During a Scaling and Polishing Appointment?
A typical teeth cleaning appointment follows a structured and gentle process:
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1. Oral Examination
Your dentist examines your teeth and gums to assess overall oral health and identify areas of plaque buildup, inflammation, or sensitivity.
2. Scaling
Using manual or ultrasonic instruments, plaque and tartar are carefully removed from tooth surfaces and along the gum line. This process is precise and controlled, focusing on areas that are difficult to clean at home.
3. Polishing
After scaling, teeth are polished using a soft rotating brush and a fine dental paste. Polishing smooths the tooth surface, removes surface stains, and helps reduce future plaque accumulation.
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4. Optional Preventive Care
In some cases, additional preventive treatments such as fluoride application may be recommended based on individual risk factors.
Most patients describe scaling and polishing as comfortable, with mild sensations rather than pain. If your gums are sensitive or inflamed, your dentist will adjust the approach or suggest Airflow Teeth Cleaning (GBT) accordingly.
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Mild sensitivity is more likely if:
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There is significant tartar accumulation
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Gums are inflamed or bleeding
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Teeth have exposed root surfaces
Any sensitivity typically resolves quickly after treatment. Your dentist will always prioritise comfort and explain each step before proceeding.
How Often Should You Do Scaling and Polishing in Singapore?
For individuals with healthy gums and low plaque buildup, teeth cleaning is generally recommended every six months.
However, frequency may vary depending on:
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Gum health and inflammation levels
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Tartar buildup patterns
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Smoking habits
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Existing dental conditions
Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if there is a higher risk of gum disease or recurrent tartar accumulation. Preventive care plans are always tailored to individual oral health needs rather than fixed schedules.
Is Scaling and Polishing Painful?
For most patients, scaling and polishing is comfortable and well tolerated.
You may feel:
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Mild vibration from ultrasonic instruments
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Temporary sensitivity if gums are inflamed
At Dentalis, we use gentle techniques and modern equipment to minimise discomfort. If gums are sensitive, the dentist will adjust the approach and explain what to expect at each step.
Can Scaling and Polishing Prevent Gum Disease?
Yes — professional teeth cleaning plays a critical role in preventing gum disease.
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Early gum disease (gingivitis) is caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. At this stage, the condition is often reversible with proper cleaning and improved oral hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which involves bone loss and irreversible damage.
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By removing plaque and tartar regularly, scaling and polishing helps maintain healthy gums and reduces the likelihood of disease progression.
Does Scaling and Polishing Whiten Teeth?
Scaling and polishing is not a teeth whitening treatment. However, it does remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, smoking, and certain foods.
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Many patients notice their teeth appear cleaner, smoother, and brighter after cleaning. For colour changes beyond surface stains, your dentist may discuss other cosmetic options separately.
Teeth Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
Routine teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing) focuses on plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line.
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In cases of advanced gum disease, a more intensive procedure — often referred to as deep cleaning or root planing — may be required. This involves cleaning deeper areas beneath the gums and is only recommended when clinically necessary.
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​Your dentist will always explain the difference and advise based on your oral health condition.
Caring for Your Teeth After Cleaning
After scaling and polishing, maintaining good oral hygiene helps prolong the benefits of treatment:
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Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
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Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
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Avoid smoking, which increases gum disease risk
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Attend regular dental reviews as advised
Good home care combined with professional cleaning is the most effective way to protect oral health over time.
Is Scaling and Polishing Safe?
When performed by a trained dental professional, teeth cleaning is safe and does not damage enamel or gums. The procedure is designed to protect dental health, not weaken it.
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​Concerns about enamel damage usually arise from misconceptions or improper techniques. Professional scaling and polishing uses controlled instruments and evidence-based methods tailored to each patient.
Why Preventive Dental Care Matters
​Teeth cleaning is not just about maintaining a clean smile. It is a foundational part of preventive dental care that supports long-term health, comfort, and function.
By addressing plaque buildup early, scaling and polishing helps reduce the likelihood of complex treatments later — allowing dental care to remain calm, predictable, and minimally invasive.
Is Scaling and Polishing Covered by CHAS or Medisave?
CHAS
Eligible patients may receive CHAS subsidies for scaling and polishing, subject to prevailing guidelines.
Medisave
Medisave generally does not apply to routine scaling and polishing, as it is classified as preventive care rather than surgical treatment.
Our team is happy to explain subsidy eligibility clearly before treatment.
Why Patients Choose Dentalis for Scaling and Polishing
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Gentle, patient-centric approach
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Modern ultrasonic cleaning technology
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Calm, design-focused clinic environment
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Clear explanations without pressure
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Convenient CBD location near Tanjong Pagar / Chinatown
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CHAS-accredited clinic
Unlike large corporate clinics, Dentalis prioritises your comfort and experience. Our dentists combine expertise with compassion, making scaling and polishing stress-free even for nervous patients.
Our philosophy is simple: preventive care should feel reassuring, not rushed or stressful.
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Book Your Dental Cleaning Today
Keep your teeth and gums healthy with gentle, professional scaling and polishing at Dentalis. Our Tanjong Pagar clinic offers affordable, CHAS-accredited, patient-centered care.
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Click below to WhatsApp us or call 6425 9395 to book your appointment and experience dental cleaning with comfort, precision, and care.
Frequently asked questions
About the Dentist
Dr Jonathan Liu focuses on preventive and restorative dentistry with an emphasis on patient comfort, clear communication, and long-term oral health outcomes. His approach prioritises evidence-based care delivered calmly and thoughtfully.
Smiles That Speak a Thousand Words
The greatest testament to our work is a happy smile. Real people, honest five-star feedback. Take a look at what our patients have to say about their experience at Dentalis.
"I was blown away by the kindness and compassion shown by the entire team! Not only did they provide excellent dental care, but they also offered a very reasonable price, which was a huge help to us. Dr Jonathan Liu's professionalism and dedication to his patients are truly commendable. Their willingness to accommodate and assist those in need is a testament to their exceptional character. I highly recommend Dentalis to anyone looking for quality dental care with a caring and understanding approach. Thank you again for your kindness and excellent service!"
Ada Lum
