Maintain · Everyday care and prevention
Hygiene
Professional cleaning removes the hardened deposits that brushing can’t, and gives you practical, personal advice for looking after your teeth and gums at home.
What it’s for
Plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar, which sits along the gum line and can only be removed professionally. Regular cleaning helps keep gums healthy and makes it easier to look after your teeth between visits.
- Scale and polish: tartar and plaque are removed from around the teeth, then the surfaces are polished
- Air polish: a fine jet of powder, air and water lifts staining and plaque from tooth surfaces
- Tartar
- Hardened plaque along the gum line, which brushing alone can’t remove.
- Gums
- Can become red and puffy where tartar builds up.
- After a clean
- Smooth, clean surfaces that are easier to look after at home.
At your appointment
We’ll ask how your gums feel, whether you notice any bleeding when you brush and about your routine at home. Then we’ll look at your teeth and gums before cleaning, and explain anything we notice.
What happens
A look first
A check of your gums and teeth, and a conversation about your routine.
Cleaning
Scale and polish or air polish, at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
Advice
Practical suggestions for brushing and cleaning between teeth, suited to your mouth.
Next time
A recommendation for when to return, based on what we see.
Fees
- Scale and polish
- from £65
- Air polish
- £125
Private fee guide, September 2026. Where a fee is shown as “from”, the final cost depends on your treatment; your dentist will explain your options and their costs before any treatment begins. See all fees.
Questions
Will it be uncomfortable?
Most people find a clean comfortable. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, tell us before we start; we’ll take it gently and you can ask us to stop at any time.
What’s the difference between a scale and polish and an air polish?
A scale and polish removes hardened tartar and plaque and polishes the teeth. An air polish uses a fine jet of powder, air and water, and is particularly used to lift surface staining. We can advise which suits you.
My gums bleed when I brush. Should I mention it?
Yes. Bleeding gums can be a sign of inflammation, so it’s worth telling us. We’ll look at the likely cause and advise you on what to do next.
Related treatments
Talk it through with us.
Every treatment starts with a conversation. We’ll explain your options and their costs, and you can take the time you need to decide.