Dental Cleaning
- What it is: A routine dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar and surface stains.
- How often: Generally recommended every 6 months; some patients (gum disease, heavy tartar, braces, smokers) may be advised every 3–4 months.
- Is it painful: Most people feel only mild scraping or vibration; local anaesthesia is usually not needed.
- Subsidies: Eligible CHAS / Pioneer Generation / Merdeka Generation cardholders may receive a subsidy. MediSave does not cover routine scaling and polishing.
Dental Cleaning Services at
Meiplus Dentalcare
Scaling & Polishing
Scaling uses an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and along the gum line. Polishing then smooths the tooth surface with a soft cup and prophy paste, removing surface stains from coffee, tea and food and making it harder for new plaque to settle. A routine session typically takes around 20–40 minutes.
Periodontitis Deep Cleaning
When gum disease has progressed and tartar has built up below the gum line, a deeper clean called scaling and root planing may be recommended. It removes deposits from the root surfaces and smooths them so the gums can reattach and pockets can shrink. Your dentist assesses gum pocket depth before recommending this, and it may be carried out over more than one visit.
Airflow Polishing
Airflow polishing uses a controlled stream of fine powder, warm water and air to remove plaque (biofilm) and surface stains, including around braces, implants and tight spaces. Many patients find it a comfortable alternative or complement to conventional polishing.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum (periodontal) disease ranges from early gum inflammation (gingivitis) to more advanced periodontitis. Treatment is matched to your condition and may combine professional cleaning, root surface debridement and guidance on home care, with follow-up reviews to monitor your gum health.
Signs You May Need
a Dental Cleaning
These signs are worth having assessed by a dentist. To arrange a check-up, contact Tanjong Pagar at 6538 1400 or Marine Parade at 6514 1200. For healthy gums and teeth, routine cleaning is generally recommended every 6 months.
You may benefit from a dental check-up and cleaning if you notice:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Sensitive teeth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Increased spacing between teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
Why Routine Scaling & Polishing Matters
Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which can only be removed professionally. Over time, tartar along the gum line can contribute to gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Regular dental cleaning supports your daily brushing and flossing and helps you keep your natural teeth healthy for longer.
FAQs on Dental Cleaning
Scaling and polishing is a professional dental cleaning procedure. Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from the teeth and gum line, and polishing smooths the tooth surface to remove surface stains and slow new plaque build-up.
Yes. “Scaling and polishing”, “dental cleaning” and “professional teeth cleaning” refer to the same routine procedure carried out by a dentist or oral health therapist.
For most adults, dentists in Singapore generally recommend scaling and polishing every 6 months. People with gum disease, heavy tartar, braces, or who smoke or drink a lot of coffee or tea may be advised to come every 3–4 months. Your dentist will recommend an interval based on your oral health.
Most patients feel only a mild scraping or vibration, and local anaesthesia is usually not needed. Some sensitivity or minor gum bleeding can occur if the gums are already inflamed, and this typically settles within a day or two. Let your dentist know if you feel discomfort during the procedure.
No. When performed by a trained professional, scaling and polishing removes tartar and stains without harming the enamel. Teeth may feel slightly sensitive afterwards, which is temporary.
Scaling and polishing removes surface stains, so teeth can look cleaner, but it does not bleach or change the natural colour of your teeth. Whitening is a separate treatment.
Scaling and polishing is a routine cleaning above the gum line for general maintenance. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by cleaning below the gum line along the tooth roots. Your dentist assesses your gums to determine which is appropriate.
The fee depends on your oral health, the amount of tartar present and whether a follow-up visit is needed. Across Singapore, routine scaling and polishing generally falls within a range of roughly S$50–S$250 per session. Eligible CHAS, Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders may receive a subsidy. For Meiplus Dentalcare’s exact fee, please contact our clinic.
MediSave does not cover routine scaling and polishing, as it is a preventive (non-surgical) procedure. However, eligible CHAS / Pioneer Generation / Merdeka Generation cardholders may receive a subsidy. Bring your card to your appointment and our front desk will assist.
Dental Cleaning in Singapore
Meiplus Dentalcare offers Dental cleaning at two clinic locations in Singapore. Our internationally trained, Singapore-registered dentists are fluent in English, Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Address
1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-24, S082001
Tanjong Pagar
(Flagship Clinic)
Address
141 East Coast Road, Katong, S428831
Marine Parade Branch
Meiplus Dentalcare:
Your Smile, Our Priority
From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we’re here to support your oral health every step of the way.
