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

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?
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Comments

  • 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
    brook2jack Posts: 4,563 Forumite
    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
    System Posts: 178,311 Community Admin
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    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
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • brook2jack
    brook2jack Posts: 4,563 Forumite
    edited 16 June 2013 at 7:34PM
    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
    Jennifer_Jane Posts: 3,237 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    nyc_451 Posts: 502 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    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
    brook2jack Posts: 4,563 Forumite
    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
    Kayalana99 Posts: 3,626 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    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!
    People don't know what they want until you show them.
  • SailorSam
    SailorSam Posts: 22,754 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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.
    Liverpool is one of the wonders of Britain,
    What it may grow to in time, I know not what.

    Daniel Defoe: 1725.
  • belfastgirl23
    belfastgirl23 Posts: 8,025 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    A tip from my mum - take a painkiller before you visit the hygienist :). NOT before you have a check up though for obvious reasons.
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