Brushing and flossing remove soft plaque. What they cannot remove is calculus — plaque that has hardened onto the tooth, often below the gumline. Once it has set, only a dental instrument will take it off.
Why it matters
Calculus is rough and porous, so it holds more bacteria against the gum. The gum responds with inflammation: redness, swelling and bleeding when you brush. Left alone, that inflammation can progress to gum disease, which damages the bone holding your teeth in place. Bone lost that way does not grow back.
Cleaning is therefore not cosmetic. It is the single most effective thing we do to keep your own teeth.
What happens during a cleaning
- Assessment. We check where deposits have built up and measure the health of the gums.
- Scaling. An ultrasonic scaler vibrates deposits loose while spraying water. Hand instruments finish the areas the scaler cannot reach.
- Polishing. A rotating brush with polishing paste smooths the tooth surface, which slows how quickly plaque re-accumulates.
- Advice. We show you the specific spots you are missing at home — usually the same few each time.
Does it hurt?
For most people it is uncomfortable rather than painful — a vibrating sensation, cold water, and some sensitivity where gums are inflamed. If your gums are very inflamed, or there are heavy deposits below the gumline, we can numb the area. Say so and we will.
Afterwards
Gums may feel tender and bleed slightly for a day or two, and teeth can be sensitive to cold for a few days. Both settle. If tenderness lasts beyond a week, tell us.
Common questions
Will scaling loosen my teeth?
No. If teeth feel different afterwards, it is because heavy calculus that had been splinting them together has been removed, revealing looseness that was already there from bone loss. The deposits were the symptom, not the support.
Will it whiten my teeth?
It removes surface staining from tea, coffee, tobacco and some foods, which often makes teeth look noticeably brighter. It does not change the natural colour of the tooth underneath. For that, see teeth whitening.
How often do I need it?
Every six months suits most people. Smokers, people with gum disease, and those who build up calculus quickly may need it every three to four months.
My gums bleed when I brush. Should I stop brushing that area?
No — that is the opposite of what helps. Bleeding usually means inflammation from plaque. Gentle, thorough brushing of that exact area, twice daily, normally reduces bleeding within one to two weeks. If it does not, come and see us.
What it costs
We do not publish a price list, because the right treatment — and so the price — depends on what we find when we examine you. What we promise instead:
- A written treatment plan and quote before any work begins
- No charges you have not agreed to first
- Payment by MTN MoMo, Airtel Money or card
Nervous about this treatment?
Tell us when you book. We allow extra time, explain each step before we do it, and stop whenever you ask us to.
Further reading: Your gums bleed when you brush. Does it matter?