Regular tartar removal is one of the most important preventive dental procedures, often underestimated by patients. Tartar, formed from plaque that is not removed regularly, is not only an aesthetic issue but, above all, a health problem. Its presence leads to gum inflammation, bad breath, and ultimately to serious periodontal diseases and tooth loss. A professional scaling treatment in London, performed by a qualified dentist in London, allows for the effective removal of even the most persistent deposits, protecting our oral health and the beauty of our smile for a long time.
- What is tartar and how does it form?
- Health consequences of untreated tartar
- Professional tartar removal – what does the procedure involve?
- Stages of scaling treatment
- Frequency of the procedure
- Benefits of regular tartar removal
- Health benefits
- Aesthetic benefits
- How to care for your teeth after scaling?
What is tartar and how does it form?
Tartar is mineralized dental plaque that forms on the surface of the teeth. The process begins with the accumulation of soft dental plaque – a sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that continuously forms on our teeth. If this plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it starts to harden due to the minerals in saliva.
Within just 24–72 hours, dental plaque can transform into hard deposits – tartar. Initially, it appears whitish or yellowish, but over time, influenced by factors such as smoking, coffee or tea consumption, it can turn brown or even black, significantly affecting the aesthetics of the smile.
Tartar most commonly forms in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush – along the gum line, between teeth, and on the lingual surfaces of the lower teeth, near the salivary gland ducts. Its porous structure provides an ideal surface for further bacterial accumulation, leading to a vicious cycle – the more tartar, the more bacteria can settle.
Importantly, once formed, tartar cannot be removed using a regular toothbrush or dental floss. It is too hard and firmly attached to the enamel surface. That’s why regular visits to a dentist in London for professional tartar removal are so important for maintaining oral health.
Health consequences of untreated tartar
Neglecting tartar can lead to serious health consequences. Bacteria in tartar deposits produce toxins that cause gum inflammation (gingivitis). Initial symptoms include redness, swelling of the gums, and bleeding during brushing. This is the early stage of periodontal disease which, if identified and treated early, is completely reversible.
However, untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis – an advanced disease where the inflammation affects not only the gums but also deeper structures supporting the teeth, such as periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone. This can result in gum pockets, gum recession, tooth loosening, and ultimately – tooth loss.
Moreover, there is growing scientific evidence of a connection between periodontal disease and overall health. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, lung diseases, and even some cancers. In pregnant women, periodontal disease is associated with a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Additionally, tartar and related issues can lead to:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Tooth discoloration
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to cold and hot stimuli
- Difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene
- Aesthetic defects in the smile, affecting self-esteem and social interactions
All of these problems can largely be prevented through regular professional dental cleaning performed by a qualified dentist in London.
Professional tartar removal – what does the procedure involve?
Professional tartar removal, also known as scaling, is a procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist that thoroughly cleans the tooth surface from hard deposits that cannot be removed by home methods.
Stages of scaling treatment
Scaling in London at SW11 Clinic follows a precise protocol to ensure maximum effectiveness and patient comfort:
- Consultation and oral examination – before beginning the procedure, the specialist assesses the health of the oral cavity, the degree of tartar buildup, and the presence of any gum or periodontal inflammation.
- Removal of supragingival deposits – using an ultrasonic scaler, the dentist removes tartar visible above the gum line. This device uses ultrasonic vibrations to break down hard deposits without damaging the enamel. Additionally, the water stream from the scaler flushes away debris and cools the tooth during the procedure.
- Removal of subgingival deposits – if tartar is also present below the gum line in periodontal pockets, special subgingival tips or manual instruments (curettes) may be required.
- Polishing of tooth surfaces – after tartar removal, tooth surfaces are polished using special pastes and rubber cups to help prevent rapid plaque accumulation.
Our specialists make every effort to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible, and for patients with particularly sensitive gums, local anesthesia can be used.
Frequency of the procedure
The optimal frequency of professional cleaning depends on the individual predispositions of the patient. People with a tendency to accumulate tartar quickly, smokers, those with systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes), or those taking certain medications may require more frequent visits.
Generally, it is recommended to undergo dental scaling in London every 6 months, combined with routine dental check-ups. For patients with periodontal disease or other risk factors, this may increase to every 3–4 months.
Benefits of regular tartar removal
Regular professional dental cleaning offers numerous health and aesthetic benefits that far outweigh the cost and time spent at a dentist in London.
Health benefits
Regular tartar removal effectively prevents the development of periodontal diseases, which are one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. The procedure removes bacteria responsible for inflammation, allowing the gums to heal and regenerate.
Moreover, professional cleaning reduces the overall bacterial load in the mouth, positively influencing general health by lowering the risk of systemic diseases mentioned earlier.
It is also worth noting the diagnostic value of regular hygiene visits – during these appointments, the dentist can detect potential problems early, such as initial caries, microfractures in teeth, or changes in the oral mucosa, allowing for early intervention and less invasive treatment.
Aesthetic benefits
In addition to health aspects, regular professional cleaning provides visible aesthetic improvements:
- Removal of external stains caused by consuming pigmented beverages (coffee, tea, red wine) or smoking
- Brightening of the natural tooth color
- Restoration of the enamel’s natural shine
- Fresh breath and a clean mouth feeling
All of this leads to greater self-confidence and comfort in everyday social interactions. A beautiful, well-maintained smile is our calling card and has a significant impact on the first impression we make.
How to care for your teeth after scaling?
To prolong the effects of professional cleaning and slow down new tartar formation, proper at-home oral hygiene is essential.
After scaling in London at SW11 Clinic, our specialists always instruct patients on how to properly care for their teeth. The key recommendations include:
- Brushing teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes, using fluoride toothpaste
- Daily use of dental floss or interdental brushes
- Using mouthwash, especially those with antibacterial properties (if recommended)
- Avoiding or limiting products that contribute to tartar buildup (sweets, sugary sodas)
- Regular dental check-ups every 6 months
In specific cases, a dentist in London may recommend additional hygiene tools, such as water flossers or specialized toothpaste, tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
It’s important to note that after scaling, teeth may be more sensitive to temperature changes for a few days. This is completely normal and temporary. If sensitivity persists, consult your dentist, who may suggest special desensitizing toothpaste or other treatments.
In most cases, professional tartar removal is not painful, although some patients may feel mild discomfort, especially if they have sensitive gums or advanced inflammation. At SW11 Clinic in London, we use modern ultrasonic scalers that minimize discomfort during the procedure. For patients with particularly sensitive gums or extensive subgingival deposits, local anesthesia may be used. After the procedure, temporary tooth sensitivity may occur, which usually subsides within a few days.
The optimal frequency of dental scaling in London is determined individually by the dentist in London, taking into account tartar buildup tendencies, oral health, and general health status. Typically, professional cleaning is recommended every 6 months in combination with routine check-ups. However, individuals prone to rapid tartar accumulation, smokers, those with periodontal disease or systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes) may require visits every 3–4 months.
Self-removal of tartar at home is not recommended. Tartar is too hard to be effectively removed with a regular toothbrush or floss. Attempts to remove tartar with store-bought tools can damage the enamel, gums, and other oral tissues. Moreover, non-professional tartar removal cannot thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas, especially below the gum line. The best approach is to maintain proper oral hygiene at home to slow tartar buildup and to regularly undergo professional cleaning by a dentist in London, who has the appropriate tools and skills to remove deposits safely and effectively.
