What is a scale and clean?
A scale and clean is a professional clean that removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from around and between your teeth. Healthdirect explains that during a check-up your dental practitioner uses professional equipment to remove plaque and calculus, and that calculus cannot be cleared by brushing at home (healthdirect).
At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, a scale and clean is often combined with an examination so your dentist can look at your teeth, gums and mouth as well as clean them. This article is general information only. It is not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan.
Why is a scale and clean done?
A scale and clean clears deposits that daily brushing and flossing leave behind. Plaque left on the teeth can contribute to decay and gum inflammation; once it hardens into tartar, home care alone cannot remove it.
Healthdirect advises seeing your dental practitioner every six to twelve months, or as often as they recommend (healthdirect). The Australian Dental Association likewise encourages regular visits, with your dentist advising how often (teeth.org.au).
A professional clean can also support early gum care. Healthdirect notes that plaque along the gumline can cause gingivitis, and that tartar further irritates the gums and can only be removed by a dental professional (healthdirect). Better Health Channel likewise explains that oral health professionals remove plaque and calculus as part of gum care (Better Health Channel).
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth and along the gumline. If it is not cleaned away, it can harden into calculus, also called tartar.
- Plaque — a soft, sticky film of germs that builds up every day
- Tartar (calculus) — plaque that has mineralised and hardened; it cannot be brushed off at home
Healthdirect states that tartar can only be removed by a dental professional (healthdirect). Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day, and limiting sugary snacks between meals all help reduce plaque. A scale and clean addresses what has already hardened beyond home care.
What usually happens at the appointment?
A scale and clean at AMK Dental Clinic is often part of a check-up and clean visit. Steps can vary with your needs, but a typical appointment includes:
- Update your history — medicines, allergies and any concerns such as bleeding gums or sensitivity
- Examination — a look at your teeth, gums, tongue and soft tissues
- X-rays if needed — when clinically justified; not automatic at every visit
- Scaling — removal of plaque and tartar with hand instruments and/or an ultrasonic scaler
- Polish — smoothing the tooth surfaces after deposits are removed
- Fluoride, if offered — a topical application that may be recommended
- Discussion — findings, home-care tips, and next steps, with an itemised written estimate before further treatment
Healthdirect describes check-ups that may include assessment, examination, X-rays where needed, polishing and advice (healthdirect). Teeth are polished after cleaning, and a fluoride treatment may be applied (healthdirect).
Examination is part of care when you book a check-up and clean. Sometimes a clean is booked on its own after a recent exam. See questions to ask at your dental check-up, check-ups and cleans and new patients.
What might you feel during a scale and clean?
You may feel scraping, pressure or vibration as tartar is removed. Some people notice sensitivity to cold air or water, especially if there is a lot of tartar or the gums are already inflamed. How it feels varies from person to person.
Tell your dentist if anything is uncomfortable. At AMK Dental Clinic, the team can pause, adjust, or use local anaesthetic for deeper cleaning when appropriate. Afterwards, gums may feel tender or bleed a little for a day or two, and teeth can feel temporarily sensitive. If that lasts longer, call the practice.
Are polish and fluoride always included?
Polish is a common next step after scaling. Fluoride is not automatic for every patient at every visit. Healthdirect notes that teeth are polished and a fluoride treatment applied as part of professional cleaning, and that you should say before cleaning starts if your teeth are very sensitive (healthdirect). At AMK Dental Clinic, your dentist explains whether polish and fluoride are part of your visit.
How do you look after your mouth between cleans?
Healthdirect recommends brushing twice a day for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, drinking plain water, limiting sugary snacks between meals, and seeing your dental practitioner every six to twelve months or as they recommend (healthdirect). Between visits, keep up home care and contact us if you notice lasting bleeding gums or sensitivity. For recall timing, read benefits of regular dental check-ups.
Booking a scale and clean at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. We see patients from Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
You can book online or call (02) 9739 6525. See opening hours on the Contact page. For booking steps, read how to book an appointment at AMK. If you are in pain, have swelling or have damaged a tooth, please phone rather than booking online only.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
What is a scale and clean?
A scale and clean is a professional clean that removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from around and between your teeth. Healthdirect notes that calculus cannot be removed by brushing at home, and that cleaning usually includes polishing and may include fluoride. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, a scale and clean is often paired with an examination. This page is general information only.
Does a scale and clean hurt?
During a scale and clean you may feel scraping, pressure or vibration, and some people notice sensitivity, especially if there is a lot of tartar or the gums are inflamed. How it feels varies from person to person. Tell your dentist at AMK Dental Clinic if anything is uncomfortable — the team can pause or adjust. Local anaesthetic is available for deeper cleaning if needed. Gums may feel tender for a day or two afterwards.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth and along the gumline. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into calculus, also called tartar, which further irritates the gums. Healthdirect explains that tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. Daily brushing and flossing reduce plaque; a scale and clean addresses what builds up beyond home care.
Is an examination part of a scale and clean visit?
Often yes. A check-up and clean at AMK Dental Clinic usually includes updating your medical history, examining teeth, gums and soft tissues, X-rays if needed, then scaling and cleaning, with a discussion of findings. Healthdirect describes check-ups that may include assessment, examination, preventive cleaning and advice. Ask what your visit will cover when you book.
