WSD Essentials (Scaling & Polishing, Fluoride Treatment, Full Mouth X-rays) at $98 nett. Learn more.

WeSmile Essentials (Scaling & Polishing, Fluoride Treatment, Full Mouth X-rays) at $98 nett. Learn more.

Scaling & Polishing in Singapore

Last Updated:

19 October 2026

Scaling and polishing is a professional teeth cleaning that removes tartar and surface stains. Most adults need it every six months. At WeSmile Dental, scaling & polishing starts from $103.55 (incl. GST), or $98 nett as part of WeSmile Essentials with fluoride treatment and full mouth X-rays. CHAS cardholders get subsidies at all our clinics. Medisave cannot be used for routine scaling and polishing in Singapore.

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Teeth scaling and polishing at WeSmile Dental in Singapore

What is scaling and polishing?

Scaling and polishing is a professional teeth cleaning done by a dentist. It has two steps. Scaling removes plaque and tartar. Polishing removes surface stains and leaves the teeth smooth.

Plaque is a soft, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. If it is not brushed away, it hardens into tartar, also called calculus. Brushing and flossing cannot remove tartar once it has formed. Only dental instruments can. Learn more about how tartar forms and how to prevent it.

What is scaling?

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and along the gum line. Your dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler, which vibrates to break tartar loose while a water spray rinses it away. Small hand instruments are used for tight spots.

What is polishing?

Polishing comes after scaling. A rotating rubber cup and a gritty paste remove surface stains from food, coffee, tea and smoking. A smoother tooth surface makes it harder for new plaque to stick.

Is scaling and polishing good for your teeth?

Yes. Tartar irritates the gums and holds bacteria against your teeth. Removing it regularly lowers your risk of gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

  • Healthier gums: Removing tartar reduces gum inflammation (gingivitis), the earliest stage of gum disease.
  • Lower risk of decay: Less plaque means fewer bacteria producing the acids that damage teeth.
  • Fresher breath: Plaque and tartar are common causes of bad breath.
  • Easier cleaning at home: Smooth teeth are easier to keep clean between visits.
  • Early detection: Your dentist checks for cavities and gum problems at the same visit, while they are easier to treat.

Does scaling damage tooth enamel?

No. Scaling removes deposits sitting on the tooth. It does not remove enamel. Enamel is much harder than tartar, and dental instruments are designed to clean the surface without wearing it down.

Benefits of scaling and polishing for gums and teeth

How often should you get scaling and polishing?

Most adults need scaling and polishing every six months. Your dentist may suggest every three to four months if you:

  • Have a history of gum disease
  • Wear braces or retainers
  • Build up tartar quickly, even with good brushing
  • Smoke, or drink a lot of coffee or tea
  • Have diabetes, which is linked to a higher risk of gum disease
How often to get teeth scaling and polishing

Signs you are due for a cleaning

  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Bad breath that keeps coming back
  • Yellow or brown deposits near the gum line
  • Gums that look red, swollen or feel tender

What happens during scaling and polishing?

  1. Check-up: Your dentist examines your teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to check for decay between teeth and below the gum line.
  2. Scaling: Tartar is removed above and slightly below the gum line with an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments. You may hear a humming sound and feel vibration.
  3. Polishing: A rotating rubber cup and paste remove surface stains and smooth the teeth.
  4. Fluoride treatment (if recommended): Fluoride is applied to help strengthen enamel against decay.
  5. Advice: Your dentist tells you if anything else needs attention, such as a filling or gum treatment. There is no obligation to proceed on the same day.

How long it takes depends on how much tartar has built up and the condition of your gums. Your dentist will advise at the start of your visit.

Tell your dentist before the cleaning if you:

  • Have a pacemaker or a heart condition, as some ultrasonic scalers may not be suitable
  • Take blood thinners
  • Are pregnant
  • Have dental implants, crowns or veneers, so the right instruments can be used around them

Does scaling and polishing hurt?

Most people feel vibration, pressure or light scraping rather than pain. It can feel more sensitive if your gums are inflamed or there is a lot of tartar. Your dentist can apply numbing gel if needed. Mild gum tenderness or sensitivity to cold usually settles within a day or two. If it lasts longer, contact your dentist.

What should you do after scaling and polishing?

  • Eating: You can usually eat once your mouth feels comfortable. If numbing gel was used, wait until the feeling returns. If fluoride was applied, follow the timing your dentist gives you.
  • Sensitive teeth: Avoid very hot, very cold, hard or acidic food for the rest of the day.
  • Brushing: Brush gently with a soft toothbrush. A desensitising toothpaste can help.
  • Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours to let your gums settle.

How to keep your teeth cleaner for longer

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
  • Cut down on sugary and acidic drinks
  • Come back for scaling and polishing every six months, or as your dentist advises

Scaling and polishing vs deep cleaning vs teeth whitening

Treatment

What it does

Who it is for

Scaling and polishing

Removes tartar and surface stains above and just below the gum line

Everyone, as routine preventive care

Deep cleaning (root planing)

Cleans deeper pockets under the gums and smooths the root surfaces

People with gum disease. See gum treatment

Teeth whitening

Lightens the natural shade of the teeth with a whitening gel

People who want a lighter shade, usually after a cleaning. See teeth whitening

Scaling and polishing removes stains on the surface of your teeth. It does not change their natural colour.

How much does scaling and polishing cost at WeSmile Dental?

Scaling & polishing at WeSmile Dental starts from $103.55 (incl. GST). WeSmile Essentials covers scaling & polishing, fluoride treatment and full mouth X-rays for $98 nett on weekdays at Ang Mo Kio (all day), Bedok (1pm to 4pm) and Orchard (11am to 2pm). For the full fee breakdown and CHAS and Medisave details, see our dental price list.

Frequently asked questions about scaling and polishing

Can I go for scaling and polishing if I wear braces?

Yes. Braces make it easier for plaque and tartar to build up around the brackets and wires, so regular cleaning is important. Your dentist may suggest scaling and polishing every three to four months while you have braces. Let the clinic know you wear braces when you book.

Will scaling create gaps between my teeth?

No. Scaling does not create gaps or loosen healthy teeth. Sometimes tartar was filling the space between teeth or covering gums that had already shrunk back. Once the tartar is removed, those existing gaps can become easier to see or feel.

Why do my gums bleed during scaling?

Bleeding usually means your gums were already inflamed from plaque and tartar. It often reduces as the gums heal after cleaning and with regular brushing and flossing. If the bleeding continues, see your dentist.

How long does scaling and polishing take?

It depends on how much tartar has built up and the condition of your gums. Heavier build-up takes longer. Your dentist will advise at your visit.

Is scaling and polishing safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Routine dental cleaning is generally safe during pregnancy. Gum inflammation is more common during pregnancy, so keeping up with cleanings helps. Tell your dentist you are pregnant before the visit.

Will my teeth look whiter after scaling and polishing?

Polishing removes surface stains from coffee, tea and smoking, so your teeth may look cleaner. It does not change the natural shade of your teeth. That requires teeth whitening.

Due for a cleaning, or noticed bleeding gums or tartar build-up? Book an appointment at our Ang Mo Kio, Bedok or Orchard clinic.