When it comes to professional dental cleaning, you may have come across two common options: scale and polish and airflow cleaning. Understanding the difference between these teeth cleaning options can help you make an informed choice about your preventive care. Both the scale and polish procedure and airflow teeth cleaning are designed to support your oral health, but they work in different ways and may suit different needs.

If you have ever wondered which treatment is right for you, you are not alone. Many patients are unsure whether they need a traditional scale and polish, an airflow clean, or perhaps a combination of both. This guide provides a clear, balanced comparison of Scale and Polish vs Airflow Cleaning so you can feel confident discussing your options with your dental hygienist.

What Is a Scale and Polish Procedure?

The scale and polish procedure is one of the most established forms of professional dental cleaning. It has been a cornerstone of preventive dentistry for decades and remains widely used across the UK.

The treatment involves two stages:

• Scaling: This is the process of removing hardened plaque, known as tartar or calculus, from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline. Scaling can be carried out using manual hand instruments, ultrasonic devices, or a combination of both. Manual scaling uses fine-tipped tools to carefully scrape deposits from the teeth, while ultrasonic scalers use gentle vibrations and water to break up and flush away tartar.
• Polishing: After scaling, the teeth are polished using a rotating cup and a mildly abrasive paste. This smooths the tooth surfaces, removes remaining surface marks, and helps with dental stain removal.

The primary purpose of a scale and polish is thorough plaque and tartar removal. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone, so professional scaling is essential for maintaining healthy gums and supporting long-term oral hygiene maintenance. Regular scale and polish appointments also contribute to gum health improvement by addressing the bacterial deposits that can cause inflammation.

In this sense, the scale and polish is a form of deep cleaning for teeth that goes beyond what daily brushing and flossing can achieve. You can find out more about what this treatment involves on our teeth cleaning treatment page.

What Is Airflow Teeth Cleaning? Understanding the Benefits

Airflow teeth cleaning is a modern hygiene treatment that uses advanced technology to clean and polish the teeth in a gentle, efficient way. The system delivers a controlled jet of warm water, compressed air, and a fine powder directly onto the tooth surfaces, lifting away plaque, soft deposits, and surface staining.

The airflow teeth cleaning benefits are particularly notable for patients who want a comfortable cleaning experience. Because the treatment does not rely on direct contact instruments for polishing, many people find it gentler than traditional methods. This makes airflow polishing for sensitive teeth a popular choice for those who have previously found dental cleaning uncomfortable.

Key benefits of airflow teeth cleaning include:

• Effective stain removal: The powder-and-water jet is highly effective at lifting surface stains from tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco, contributing to brightening your smile naturally.
• Gentle on teeth and gums: The non-contact polishing action is well suited to patients concerned about minimising discomfort during dental cleaning.
• Thorough biofilm removal: Airflow technology can reach areas that are difficult to access with traditional instruments, including around orthodontic brackets and implant surfaces.
• Quick and comfortable: Many patients describe airflow cleaning as a pleasant experience, with minimal sensitivity during and after treatment.

To learn more about this treatment and how it works, visit our airflow polishing page.

Scale and Polish vs Airflow Cleaning: What Is the Difference?

Understanding the difference between manual scaling and airflow is key to choosing the right teeth cleaning options for your needs. While both treatments fall under the umbrella of professional dental cleaning, they address different aspects of oral hygiene.

A scale and polish is primarily focused on removing hardened tartar deposits using instruments that physically detach calculus from the tooth surfaces. It is the treatment of choice when significant tartar has accumulated, particularly below the gumline. Airflow cleaning, by contrast, excels at removing soft plaque, biofilm, and surface stains using a pressurised powder-and-water system.

Here is a side-by-side comparison to help illustrate the key differences:

It is worth noting that these treatments are not mutually exclusive. Many dental hygienists use a combination of both, starting with scaling to remove tartar and following with airflow polishing for thorough stain and biofilm removal. Your hygienist will recommend the most suitable approach based on your individual oral health.

Which Treatment Is Better for Stains?

If dental stain removal is your primary concern, the type of staining you have can influence which treatment may be more suitable.

Surface stains caused by tea, coffee, red wine, and certain foods tend to respond well to airflow cleaning. The pressurised powder-and-water jet is particularly effective at lifting these everyday deposits without the need for abrasive pastes. For patients looking for a refreshed, naturally brighter appearance, airflow cleaning can be a very satisfying option for brightening your smile.

When it comes to the best treatment for smokers' stains, the answer may depend on individual circumstances. Tobacco staining can be heavier and more ingrained than typical food and drink marks. In some cases, airflow cleaning may be particularly effective, while in others, a combination of scaling and airflow polishing may be more suitable. Your dental hygienist can assess the nature of your staining and advise on the most appropriate approach.

It is important to note that neither treatment is a whitening procedure. Both work to restore the natural colour of your teeth by removing external deposits, rather than changing the underlying shade of the enamel.

Which Option Is Better for Sensitive Teeth?

For patients who experience sensitivity during dental appointments, comfort is understandably a top priority. Airflow polishing for sensitive teeth is often a preferred choice because the treatment uses a gentle, non-contact jet rather than instruments that press directly against the tooth surface.

Many patients who have previously felt uncomfortable during traditional scaling find that airflow cleaning offers a noticeably gentler experience. The warm water used in the airflow system can also help reduce sensitivity compared to cold water irrigation.

That said, minimising discomfort during dental cleaning is always a priority regardless of which treatment is used. Modern ultrasonic scalers are designed to be gentle, and your dental hygienist can adjust the settings, technique, and pacing to keep you comfortable throughout your appointment. If you have concerns about sensitivity, it is always worth mentioning this at the start of your visit so the approach can be tailored to your needs.

Both treatments can be carried out in a way that prioritises your comfort, and your clinician will work with you to ensure the experience is as positive as possible.

Is Deep Cleaning for Teeth the Same as These Treatments?

The term deep cleaning for teeth is often used informally, and it can sometimes cause confusion. In clinical terms, deep cleaning typically refers to subgingival scaling or root surface debridement — a more intensive form of professional dental cleaning that targets deposits below the gumline, within the gum pockets around the teeth.

A standard scale and polish and an airflow clean are both forms of routine hygiene care that focus on the visible tooth surfaces and the gumline. They are preventive in nature and are designed to maintain oral health rather than treat established periodontal conditions.

Periodontal-focused cleaning, on the other hand, is usually recommended when there are signs of deeper inflammation or attachment loss. This type of treatment is carried out by a dental hygienist or periodontist and may require multiple visits, depending on the extent of care needed.

If you would like to understand more about the difference between routine cleaning and periodontal care, our periodontal treatments page provides further detail.

How Do These Treatments Support Preventative Dentistry?

Both scale and polish and airflow cleaning play a valuable role in preventative dentistry. Regular professional cleaning is one of the most effective ways to maintain good oral hygiene maintenance and support long-term gum health improvement.

By removing plaque, tartar, and staining on a regular basis, these treatments help reduce the risk of gum inflammation and create the conditions for healthier oral tissues. They also provide an opportunity for your clinician to monitor your gum health over time, track any changes, and offer personalised advice.

Experienced dental clinicians will tailor your preventive care plan based on your individual needs, taking into account factors such as your gum health, the rate of plaque build-up, lifestyle habits, and any areas of concern. This personalised approach ensures that your cleaning appointments are as effective and relevant as possible.

Consistent preventive care, combined with good daily oral hygiene at home, forms the foundation of long-term dental health. For more information on how preventive treatments support your wellbeing, visit our preventive care page.

Professional Dental Cleaning in London: Choosing the Right Option

With several teeth cleaning options available, it can be helpful to discuss your needs with your dental hygienist before deciding on a treatment. The right choice will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The amount of tartar build-up present
• The type and extent of surface staining
• Your sensitivity levels and comfort preferences
• Your overall gum health
• Your oral hygiene goals and maintenance schedule

In many cases, a combination of both treatments may offer the most thorough results. For example, scaling can address tartar deposits, while airflow polishing can follow to remove remaining biofilm and staining. Your dental hygienist will explain the options available and help you choose the approach that best suits your circumstances.

Professional dental cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all experience. The ability to select from different treatments means your care can be tailored to what your teeth and gums need at each visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Scale and Polish vs Airflow Cleaning?

A scale and polish procedure uses manual or ultrasonic instruments to remove hardened plaque and tartar, followed by a traditional polish. Airflow cleaning uses a fine jet of water, air, and powder to gently lift stains and soft plaque from the tooth surfaces. Both are forms of professional dental cleaning, but they work in different ways. The difference between manual scaling and airflow largely comes down to what they target: scaling is essential for tartar, while airflow excels at biofilm and stain removal.

Which is better for stain removal?

Airflow cleaning is often particularly effective for dental stain removal, especially surface stains caused by tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco. However, both treatments can contribute to a cleaner, brighter appearance. For heavier staining, a combination of scaling and airflow polishing may be the most suitable approach. Your dental hygienist can advise based on your individual needs.

Is Airflow suitable for sensitive teeth?

Yes, airflow polishing for sensitive teeth is generally a comfortable option. The non-contact powder-and-water jet is gentler than traditional polishing methods, and many patients with sensitivity find it more comfortable. Minimising discomfort during dental cleaning is always a priority, and your hygienist can tailor the treatment to suit your comfort level.

Does Scale and Polish remove tartar?

Yes, plaque and tartar removal is the primary purpose of the scale and polish procedure. Hardened deposits that cannot be removed by brushing alone are carefully detached from the tooth surfaces and gumline using specialist scaling instruments. Regular scaling helps support gum health improvement and is a key part of oral hygiene maintenance.

How often should I have professional dental cleaning?

Most dental professionals in the UK recommend professional dental cleaning every six months as part of your preventative dentistry routine. However, the ideal frequency may vary based on your individual oral health. Factors such as gum health, the rate of plaque build-up, and lifestyle habits can influence how often visits are recommended. Your dental hygienist can advise on the best schedule for you.

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile

Both the scale and polish procedure and airflow teeth cleaning are valuable forms of professional dental cleaning that support your oral health in different ways. Whether you need thorough plaque and tartar removal, effective dental stain removal, or a gentler option for sensitive teeth, understanding the Scale and Polish vs Airflow Cleaning comparison can help you have a more informed conversation with your dental hygienist.

Maintaining regular hygiene appointments is one of the most positive steps you can take for your long-term oral health. If you are unsure which teeth cleaning options would suit you best, consider booking a professional dental cleaning appointment to discuss your needs. Your dental hygienist can assess your oral health, recommend the most suitable treatment, and help you keep your smile feeling fresh and well cared for. If you have any concerns about your teeth or gums, seeking appropriate dental care is always a worthwhile step.