Is getting a scale and polish at the dentist really needed every 6 months?

Legacy_user

I keep good care of my teeth, and I still go to the dentist every 6 months. I'm in the chair for around 3-4 minutes. I do get a very small amount of tartar buildup at the back of my front teeth which is removed, but I hate the pain of removing it and it also costs £10. Is tartar not just a natural thing and could I get away with going to dentist once every 1-2 years?

[Deleted User]

If you are having a NHS check-up, the scale and polish should be included in the £18ish fee ... I have heard however that some dentists don't bother and refer you to 'the hygienist' so that they can get more money ...

I agree it's painful - in my opinion probably worth it, especially if like me you don't have to pay (dentist generally does it every second visit).

Or maybe you're a private patient?

brook2jack

If you clean your teeth well and use floss you will never need a scale and polish. Tartar is plaque that has not been removed for at least 72 hours .

Tartar is the result of inadequate cleaning. Inadequate cleaning can also lead to gum disease.

In Scotland and NI there is no three bands of treatment, just individual charges including for scale and polish.

System

brook2jack,

I floss after every meal, and brush twice a day, I find that to have NO tartar at all, is almost impossible.

Why haven't dentists invented a liquid or something that removes tartar, or a laser/ultrasonic removal instead of the dentist causing a lot of pain removing the tartar

brook2jack

Try using disclosing tablets they will show where you are not cleaning properly. For tartar to form plaque has to be left undisturbed for at least 72 hours. So clean effectively and you will get no tartar.

Ultrasonics are used to clean tartar off. Unfortunately teeth with alot of tartar on are often teeth with very inflamed gums and exposed roots and this can sometimes make it sensitive to scale.

Jennifer_Jane

berbastrike wrote: »

brook2jack,

I floss after every meal, and brush twice a day, I find that to have NO tartar at all, is almost impossible.

Why haven't dentists invented a liquid or something that removes tartar, or a laser/ultrasonic removal instead of the dentist causing a lot of pain removing the tartar

My dentist's hygienist does do a sonic clean. It's much more pleasant that the old kind. But he is private.

nyc_451

berbastrike wrote: »

Why haven't dentists invented a liquid or something that removes tartar, or a laser/ultrasonic removal instead of the dentist causing a lot of pain removing the tartar

My hygienist (not in UK) is removing everything using AirFlow system - very pleasant and effective.

I am surprised there are painful methods for cleaning teeth...

http://www.london-dental-implant.co.uk/airflow-hygiene-treatment

brook2jack

Airflow is good at removing stain but not tartar deposits. You normally remove the worst with ultrasonic then use airflow (private only not available nhs).

Kayalana99

Is it just me?

The other day on dinner a person was telling me that this woman died at 93 with only having one filling her whole life..and that was in her 80's.

She brushed her teeth after every meal without fail, flossed twice a day..sugary drink? Brush teeth...and this woman was saying how amazing it is.

I was just sitting thier thinking what a waste of time....?! I clean my teeth once a day at night...so I'm probally not going to have zero fillings by time I'm 90 but at least I didn't spend my whole life obsessing about my teeth!

SailorSam

I think i pay the hygienist about £25. I had a letter last week to say my 6mth 'wash & brush-up' was due and i should get in touch, but i wondered whether to leave it for the year. I do look after my teeth although there are parts that are difficult to clean.

belfastgirl23

A tip from my mum - take a painkiller before you visit the hygienist . NOT before you have a check up though for obvious reasons.