Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. Brushing and flossing remove most of it, but what is left behind hardens into tartar, also called calculus, within a few days. Tartar cannot be brushed away. It collects behind the lower front teeth, around the upper molars and just under the gumline, where it irritates the gums and makes them bleed. A professional clean removes it before it leads to gum disease, bad breath or decay along the gumline.
A standard visit is a scale and polish. An ultrasonic scaler loosens tartar with fine vibration and a cooling water spray, and hand instruments finish the hard-to-reach areas. For coffee, tea, karak, shisha and smoking stains we use air polishing, often called airflow: a jet of air, water and fine powder that lifts surface stains from the enamel and between teeth more gently than a gritty paste. It is not whitening and will not change the natural shade of your teeth, but it removes the dull film and brings back their own colour.
For most adults we recommend a clean every six months, together with a check-up. People who build up tartar quickly, wear braces or aligners, have implants, smoke, have diabetes or are pregnant may benefit from more frequent visits. If we see deep pockets or bone loss on X-rays, a routine clean is not enough, and we refer you to Dr. Mariam Khalil, our periodontist, for deep cleaning. Children have their cleans with Dr. Anika Shah as part of their pediatric check-up.
Benefits
Healthier gums
Removing tartar from around and just below the gumline lets inflamed gums settle. Bleeding when you brush usually reduces within one to two weeks of a professional clean.
Brighter teeth without bleach
Airflow lifts coffee, tea and smoking stains from the surface of the enamel, so teeth usually look cleaner and brighter afterwards without any whitening gel.
Fresher breath
Bacteria in tartar and under the gums are a common cause of bad breath. A professional clean removes them, and we show you how to keep your breath fresh at home.
Problems caught early
Your cleaning visit is also a chance to spot early decay, worn fillings, cracks or gum changes, when treatment is usually simpler, quicker and less costly.
How treatment works
Check-up
We review your medical history, examine your teeth and gums, and take X-rays if they are due, usually every one to two years, to look for decay between the teeth.
Scaling
An ultrasonic scaler and fine hand instruments remove tartar above and just below the gumline. If your teeth are sensitive, we can use a numbing gel or local anaesthetic.
Airflow and polish
Air polishing removes surface stains and soft plaque, then a light polish smooths the enamel so new plaque sticks less easily. Fluoride can be applied to reduce sensitivity.
Home-care advice
We show you where plaque is building up, suggest the right brush, floss or interdental brushes for your teeth, and book your next clean, usually in six months.
Is it right for you?
- Adults due for their six-monthly check-up and professional clean
- Coffee, tea, shisha or smoking stains that brushing alone does not remove
- Gums that bleed a little when you brush or floss your teeth
- Patients with braces, aligners, implants or crowns who need extra plaque control
Your dentists for teeth cleaning & hygiene
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Every six months suits most adults. If you build up tartar quickly, smoke, have diabetes, wear braces or have gum disease, your dentist may suggest every three or four months. If your gums are very healthy and you build up little tartar, a longer interval may be fine. We recommend a schedule after looking at your gums and your history.
Does professional cleaning damage enamel?
No. Ultrasonic scalers and air polishing are designed to remove tartar and stains without harming healthy enamel when they are used correctly. Your teeth may feel slightly sensitive for a day or two, especially if a lot of tartar was removed and the gums are tender. The smooth feeling afterwards is normal: it is simply how your teeth feel without deposits.
How much does teeth cleaning cost in Dubai?
A scale and polish starts from AED 350. If your teeth need extra stain removal with airflow, we tell you about any additional cost before we start. Many insurance plans include routine cleaning, and direct billing with major insurers is available at our Trade Centre clinic. You can also pay with Tabby or Tamara.
Is cleaning the same as teeth whitening?
No. Cleaning and airflow remove tartar and surface stains, so your teeth return to their own natural shade. Whitening uses a bleaching gel to lighten the colour of the tooth itself. A clean is usually recommended before whitening, because the gel works more evenly on clean enamel. If you would like a lighter shade after your clean, ask about in-clinic whitening.
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Bleeding during a clean is a sign that the gums are inflamed, usually because plaque and tartar have been sitting along the gumline. It normally settles within one to two weeks once the deposits are gone, as long as you keep brushing and flossing gently. If the bleeding continues, or we find deep pockets, we may recommend a periodontal assessment.
