Teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing)
A professional cleaning, also called scaling and polishing, removes the hard deposits (tartar or calculus) and stains that brushing cannot shift. Tartar along the gum line keeps the gums irritated, so a cleaning is often the first step in treating bleeding gums. Most cleanings take one visit of 30 to 45 minutes.
Step by step
- 1Check the teeth and gums
The dentist looks at the teeth and measures the gums to see how much tartar there is and whether the gums need more than a routine cleaning.
- 2Scaling
An ultrasonic scaler loosens tartar with fine vibration and a water spray; hand instruments remove what is left, above and just below the gum line.
- 3Polishing
A rotating rubber cup and polishing paste smooth the tooth surfaces and lift surface stains, so plaque sticks less easily.
- 4Advice for home
The dentist shows where plaque is being missed and how to brush and clean between the teeth there.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Tartar you can see or feel along the gum line, often behind the lower front teeth
- Stains from tea, coffee, tobacco or paan
- Bad breath that does not go away with brushing
- A routine check-up, usually every 6 to 12 months
You can eat and drink normally straight after. The gums may feel tender and bleed a little for a day or two, and teeth can feel slightly sensitive to cold for a few days as the tartar that covered them is gone. Bleeding should settle within a week or two of good brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
A cleaning is routine and low risk. Short-lived sensitivity and gum tenderness are the usual effects. A scaling does not loosen healthy teeth or wear away enamel; teeth that feel loose afterwards were already held mainly by tartar and need a gum check. Where the gums have pulled away from the teeth, a deeper cleaning over more than one visit may be needed instead.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
Payment by card, cash or UPI.
Questions patients ask
Does teeth cleaning hurt?
Most people feel vibration, water and some scraping but little discomfort. If the gums are very inflamed or the teeth are sensitive, the dentist can numb the area.
Does scaling make teeth weak or create gaps?
No. Scaling removes deposits, not tooth. Gaps that appear afterwards were filled with tartar before; the gums usually tighten again as they heal.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Most adults every 6 to 12 months. People with gum disease, diabetes or heavy tartar build-up may be advised to come more often.
Will cleaning make my teeth whiter?
It removes surface stains, so teeth often look brighter, but it does not change their natural shade. That needs teeth whitening.
Is cleaning safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy can make the gums bleed more easily, and a cleaning helps. Tell the dentist you are pregnant.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.