- A routine scale and polish
- Airflow polishing (which we use extensively)
- And deep cleaning (a specific treatment approach for gum disease)
It also covers how often you should come in, and what to expect if you’re worried about discomfort.
Key Takeaways
- Routine cleans remove plaque and hardened deposits (calculus) from teeth and around the gumline
- Airflow polishing is an effective way to remove surface stains and biofilm, and many patients find it gentler
- Deep cleaning targets bacteria and deposits below the gumline for gum disease management
- Many people do well with 6-monthly hygiene visits, but frequency should match your risk
- Cleaning can be uncomfortable if gums are inflamed, and we can use anaesthetic if needed
What Is a Routine Scale and Polish?
A routine scale and polish is the “standard clean” most people think of. There are two main things that we’re removing:
- Plaque: soft bacterial film that builds up daily
- Calculus (tartar): hardened mineral deposits that form when plaque isn’t fully removed and then mineralise
Calculus is important because it creates a rough surface that helps bacteria stick and irritates the gums. Once it hardens, it cannot be brushed off at home. It needs professional scaling.
What Scaling Does
Scaling removes plaque and calculus from:
- Tooth surfaces
- Around the gumline
- Between teeth where accessible
This improves gum health, reduces bleeding, and helps prevent cavities and gum disease progression.
What Polishing Does
Polishing removes surface stains and smooths the tooth surface. A smoother surface makes it harder for plaque to stick, which helps keep gums calmer between visits.
Polishing doesn’t change the natural colour of teeth like whitening does, but it can make teeth look noticeably cleaner and brighter by removing stain and film.
Airflow Polishing: Why We Use It Extensively
Airflow is one of the biggest upgrades in modern hygiene.
What Airflow Actually Is
Airflow polishing uses a controlled stream (air + water + fine powder) to remove:
- Surface stains (coffee, tea, red wine)
- Biofilm (the thin bacterial layer that forms quickly)
- Plaque deposits in areas that can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
Why It’s Effective
Airflow is excellent for stain removal and biofilm disruption, which means:
- You can often get a very clean result without aggressive “scraping”
- It can help clean around braces, aligners and retainers
- It’s a great adjunct for patients who build up plaque quickly
Why Many Patients Find It Gentler
Many people dislike the feeling of prolonged scaling, especially if they have sensitivity. Airflow can feel more comfortable because it’s often less “scratchy” than traditional scaling, especially for lighter-to-moderate build-up and stain management.
Important point: Airflow is not a replacement for scaling when heavy calculus is present. If you have hardened tartar below the gumline, scaling is still necessary. The best results usually come from using the right combination for your situation.
What Is “Deep Cleaning” and Who Is It For?
“Deep cleaning” is a common term for a more targeted gum treatment approach used when there are signs of gum disease. Deep cleaning aims to:
- Remove deposits and bacteria below the gumline
- Reduce inflammation
- Help gums reattach and tighten where possible
- Slow or stop gum disease progression
This is not cosmetic. It’s a health intervention designed to stabilise gum disease.
When Deep Cleaning Is Recommended
It’s considered when there are signs like:
- Bleeding gums that persist
- Deeper gum pockets on measurement
- Gum recession and bone loss signs (sometimes on X-ray)
- Ongoing bad breath linked to gum inflammation
- Persistent tenderness or swelling around the gumline
Why Deep Cleaning is Important
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. It often progresses quietly. The earlier you treat it, the easier it is to stabilise.
Deep cleaning is one of the main tools we have to slow the rate of deterioration. It doesn’t “cure” gum disease permanently, but it can dramatically improve stability when combined with good home care and maintenance visits.
What It Involves
Deep cleaning may be done:
- In sections (for comfort and thoroughness)
- With local anaesthetic when needed
- With follow-up review to check healing and gum pocket response
After deep cleaning, ongoing maintenance is key. Gum disease management is a long-term partnership, not a one-off event.
How Often Should You Come In? The Role of 6-Monthly Hygiene Visits
The classic interval most people have heard is every 6 months, and for many patients that’s a good baseline. But the truth is frequency should match your risk.
People who often do well with 6-monthly visits
- stable gums
- low decay history
- good home care consistency
- minimal calculus build-up
People who often need more frequent maintenance
- gum disease history
- bleeding gums and deeper pockets
- smokers or vapers
- dry mouth (often medication-related)
- heavy tartar build-up
- orthodontic appliances or complex dental work that traps plaque
If you’re managing gum disease, your recall interval might be 3–4 months for a period. That’s not a sales tactic. It’s simply what many people need to keep inflammation under control.
Will Cleaning Hurt? What to Expect with Discomfort
Most cleans are very manageable. The main reason cleaning becomes uncomfortable is inflammation. Inflamed gums are more sensitive, and heavy calculus can take longer to remove. Common sensations during cleaning:
- mild sensitivity to cold water
- tenderness around inflamed gum areas
- brief “zings” if root surfaces are exposed
We Can Use Anaesthetic If Needed
If you’re sensitive, anxious, or your gums are quite inflamed, we can use local anaesthetic to make treatment comfortable. This is especially relevant for deep cleaning, where we’re working below the gumline.
You don’t need to “tough it out”. Comfort matters because it lets us do the job properly and helps you feel safe coming back for maintenance.
How to Get the Best Results Between Visits
Professional cleaning is powerful, but it works best when home care supports it:
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush and good technique
- Clean between teeth daily (floss or interdental brushes)
- Keep sugary drinks and snacks to mealtimes where possible
- Drink water between meals
If your gums bleed when flossing, don’t stop. Bleeding is usually a sign of inflammation. With consistent cleaning, many people see improvement within 1–2 weeks. If bleeding persists, book an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airflow better than a normal clean?
It’s excellent for stain removal and biofilm, and many patients find it gentler. But if you have heavy calculus, scaling is still necessary. Often the best approach is a combination.
What’s the difference between a normal clean and a deep clean?
A normal clean focuses on plaque and calculus around the gumline. A deep clean targets bacteria and deposits below the gumline when gum disease is present.
How do I know if I need a deep clean?
Bleeding gums, deeper gum pocket measurements, recession, persistent bad breath, and inflammation are common indicators. We confirm this with an exam and gum measurements.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Many people do well every 6 months, but gum disease risk or heavy build-up may require more frequent maintenance.
Can you numb the area for cleaning?
Yes. If sensitivity or inflammation makes it uncomfortable, we can use anaesthetic to make it manageable.
Ready to Book?
If you’re due for a clean, book a routine check-up and clean. If you have bleeding gums, gum tenderness, or ongoing bad breath, book in for a gum assessment so we can measure your gum health and recommend the right type of cleaning.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not replace personalised dental advice. If you have pain, swelling, trauma, or medical concerns, please seek assessment promptly
