Remove plaque and tartar that brushing misses. Professional teeth cleaning at Trust Dental keeps your gums healthy and prevents gum disease. CHAS subsidised at both our Jurong West and Clementi clinics.
A routine professional cleaning that removes what your toothbrush cannot.
Scaling and polishing is the most common preventive dental procedure performed in Singapore. It involves the professional removal of plaque (a soft bacterial film) and calculus (hardened tartar) from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline.
Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach areas — between teeth, along the gumline, and behind your back molars. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which cannot be removed by brushing alone. If left untreated, tartar irritates the gums and leads to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Scaling is the process of removing this hardened tartar using specialised instruments — typically an ultrasonic scaler that vibrates at high frequency to break apart deposits, followed by hand scalers for precise cleaning in difficult areas.
Polishing follows scaling. Your dentist uses a rotating rubber cup with a mildly abrasive prophylaxis paste to smooth and polish the tooth surfaces. This creates a surface that is more resistant to plaque adhesion, helping your teeth stay cleaner for longer between visits.
Together, scaling and polishing form the foundation of preventive dental care and are your first line of defence against gum disease.
Time for your regular clean? Book a scaling and polishing appointment.
Book via WhatsAppA typical scaling and polishing appointment at Trust Dental takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Arrive at the clinic and register with our front desk. If you have a CHAS card, present it along with your NRIC for subsidy processing. First-time patients will complete a brief medical history form.
Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, checking for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other concerns. They will assess the amount of tartar build-up and identify areas that need attention.
Using an ultrasonic scaler, your dentist removes the bulk of tartar deposits. The instrument vibrates at high frequency, breaking apart hardened plaque with a stream of water. You may feel vibration but this should not be painful.
Your dentist uses hand scalers (curettes) to carefully remove any remaining deposits in areas the ultrasonic scaler cannot easily reach — between teeth, below the gumline, and in tight spaces.
A rotating rubber cup with prophylaxis paste is used to polish all tooth surfaces. This removes surface stains and creates a smooth finish that makes it harder for plaque to accumulate between visits.
Your dentist may recommend a fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen enamel and provide additional protection against decay. This is particularly beneficial for patients with sensitive teeth.
Your dentist will discuss your oral hygiene routine, point out areas you may be missing, recommend brushing techniques, and advise on when to schedule your next visit based on your gum health.
Regular scaling keeps your teeth and gums healthy. CHAS subsidies available.
Book a ConsultationRegular dental cleaning benefits almost everyone, but some people need it more than others.
Scaling and polishing is recommended for:
If you are unsure whether you need scaling, a quick dental check-up can determine the condition of your gums and how much tartar has accumulated.
Professional scaling does more than just clean your teeth — it protects your gums, your health, and your smile.
Removes tartar that causes gingivitis and periodontitis. Regular scaling is the most effective way to stop gum disease before it starts or progresses.
Eliminates bacteria trapped in tartar deposits that cause persistent bad breath (halitosis). Many patients notice fresher breath immediately after a cleaning.
Polishing removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and food. Your teeth look cleaner and brighter without any whitening treatment needed.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. By preventing gum disease, regular scaling helps you keep your natural teeth for life.
Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Keeping your gums healthy through regular cleaning benefits your whole body.
Prevention is always cheaper than treatment. A $85 scaling today can prevent expensive gum surgery, root canal treatment, or tooth replacement later.
Quick, comfortable, and affordable. Most appointments take under an hour.
WhatsApp UsClear, upfront pricing. CHAS subsidies reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly.
| Card Type | Scaling Subsidy | Polishing Subsidy | Consultation Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Generation (PG) | Up to $40.00 | Up to $30.50 | Up to $30.50 |
| Merdeka Generation (MG) | Up to $33.50 | Up to $25.50 | Up to $25.50 |
| CHAS Blue | Up to $28.50 | Up to $21.00 | Up to $21.00 |
| CHAS Orange | Up to $18.50 | Up to $13.50 | Up to $13.50 |
Subsidies apply per visit. Bring your CHAS card and NRIC. Trust Dental Surgery is CHAS accredited at both clinics.
All prices shown are before GST (9%). Final fees may vary based on individual assessment.
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees — ever.
The general recommendation is to have scaling and polishing done every 6 months. This frequency is sufficient for most people to prevent tartar build-up from progressing to gum disease.
However, some patients benefit from more frequent visits:
Your dentist will recommend the ideal frequency based on your gum health, rate of tartar formation, and any risk factors you may have. Sticking to your recommended schedule is one of the most effective things you can do for your long-term oral health.
Clinics in Jurong West and Clementi. Evening appointments available.
Call Us NowAt Trust Dental Surgery, scaling and polishing starts from $85 before GST. This is CHAS subsidised — Pioneer Generation cardholders can receive up to $40 off scaling, $30.50 off polishing, and $30.50 off consultation fees. Merdeka Generation, CHAS Blue, and Orange cardholders also receive subsidies at varying rates.
Most patients experience little to no pain during scaling and polishing. You may feel some vibration from the ultrasonic scaler and mild sensitivity in areas with heavy tartar build-up. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, your dentist can apply a topical numbing gel to make the experience more comfortable.
Yes. Trust Dental Surgery is CHAS accredited at both clinics. Pioneer Generation cardholders receive up to $40 subsidy for scaling, $30.50 for polishing, and $30.50 for consultation. Merdeka Generation, CHAS Blue, and Orange cardholders receive subsidies at lower rates. Bring your CHAS card and NRIC to your appointment.
Most dentists recommend scaling and polishing every 6 months to maintain healthy gums and prevent tartar build-up. If you have a history of gum disease, smoke, or are prone to plaque accumulation, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits — every 3 to 4 months.
A typical scaling and polishing appointment takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the amount of tartar build-up. If it has been a long time since your last cleaning or there is significant calculus, it may take slightly longer. Your dentist will also spend time examining your gums and providing aftercare advice.
A full session at Trust Dental includes: a dental examination and gum check, ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar and plaque, hand scaling to clean areas the ultrasonic cannot reach, polishing with a prophylaxis paste to smooth tooth surfaces, and personalised aftercare advice. Fluoride treatment may be recommended for additional protection.
Mild bleeding during and immediately after scaling is normal, especially if there is significant tartar build-up or existing gum inflammation. This typically stops within a day or two. If bleeding persists for more than 2-3 days after your appointment, contact your dentist for a follow-up check.
Some patients experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days after scaling. This happens because tartar acts as an insulating layer, and once removed, the tooth surface is temporarily exposed. Sensitivity usually resolves within a week. Using a desensitising toothpaste can help during this period.
Scaling is the removal of hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from tooth surfaces above and below the gumline using ultrasonic and hand instruments. Polishing is done afterwards using a rotating rubber cup with a mildly abrasive paste to smooth the tooth surfaces, making it harder for new plaque to stick. Both are typically done together in one visit.
No. Professional scaling does not damage tooth enamel. The ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments are designed to remove tartar without harming the underlying tooth structure. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is not affected by the scaling process. Delaying scaling, however, allows tartar to contribute to gum disease and eventual tooth loss.
No. Scaling and polishing is classified as a routine preventive dental procedure and is not Medisave claimable. However, it is eligible for CHAS subsidies. If gum disease has progressed and you require gum surgery, that procedure is Medisave claimable. Our team will advise you on all available subsidies.
Without regular scaling, plaque hardens into tartar that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Over time, tartar build-up irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis (gum inflammation) and eventually periodontitis (gum disease with bone loss). This can result in receding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Regular scaling prevents this progression.
Conveniently located in Jurong West and Clementi — serving families in the heartlands since day one.
Professional scaling and polishing from $85. CHAS subsidised at both clinics. Our team will have your teeth feeling fresh and your gums healthy in under an hour.