26/04/2025
Is a Scale and Polish Included in an NHS Check-Up?
Visiting the dentist regularly is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Many people wonder whether a scale and polish is included in their NHS dental check-up. While NHS dentists provide essential treatments, the rules around scale and polish services can be confusing.
What is a Scale and Polish?
A scale and polish is a dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. It has two steps:
Scaling – The dentist or hygienist removes tartar and plaque build-up using special tools.
Polishing – The teeth are polished with a rotating brush and paste to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel.
This treatment helps to prevent gum disease, bad breath, and cavities. Many people assume it is a routine part of an NHS check-up, but that is not always the case.
Is a Scale and Polish Included in an NHS Check-Up?
The NHS provides essential dental care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A routine NHS check-up includes:
Examining your teeth, gums, and mouth for any issues.
Checking for cavities, gum disease, or infections.
Providing advice on oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle habits.
X-rays if needed.
A scale and polish is only included if it is clinically necessary. This means that the dentist will only provide it if you have gum disease or a high risk of oral health problems.
If your teeth are healthy and do not have excessive plaque, a scale and polish will not be covered by the NHS. In this case, you may be advised to book a private hygiene appointment for a professional cleaning.
When is an NHS Scale and Polish Considered Necessary?
A scale and polish is considered clinically necessary if:
You have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
There is heavy plaque and tartar build-up that could lead to infection.
Your gums are bleeding or inflamed due to plaque build-up.
You have a history of dental problems and need preventive care.
The NHS aims to treat and prevent serious oral health issues, rather than providing cosmetic cleaning. If your dentist finds that you need a scale and polish, it will be included as part of your treatment.
How Often Can You Get an NHS Scale and Polish?
The frequency of NHS treatments depends on your oral health needs. If you require a scale and polish for medical reasons, your dentist will recommend how often you should have one. Some people may need it every 6 months, while others may require it less frequently.
If you have healthy teeth and gums, your dentist may suggest a check-up every 12 to 24 months without a scale and polish.
Private Scale and Polish vs. NHS Treatment
If a scale and polish is not available on the NHS, you can choose to have it done privately. Here’s how they compare:
Feature - NHS Scale and Polish
Availability- Only if clinically necessary
Treatment Depth - Basic cleaning
Who Provides It? - Dentist
Private Scale and Polish - Available for anyone
Treatment Depth - More thorough deep cleaning
Who Provides It? - Hygienist
A private hygienist appointment may include a deeper clean and stain removal, which is not covered by the NHS. Some people choose private treatment for whiter and smoother teeth.
How to Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Visits
To reduce the need for frequent cleanings, you should:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
Use mouthwash to kill bacteria.
Limit sugary foods and drinks to prevent plaque build-up.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and advice.
By keeping up with good oral hygiene, you may not need a scale and polish as often.
What to Expect at Your NHS Check-Up
During your NHS check-up, the dentist will:
Examine your mouth, teeth, and gums for any signs of decay or disease.
Ask about your oral health habits, diet, and lifestyle.
Take X-rays if needed to check for hidden issues.
Provide guidance on how to maintain healthy teeth.
Discuss treatment options if you need any procedures.
If your dentist finds that you need a scale and polish, they will include it in your treatment plan. Otherwise, they may recommend a private hygiene visit.
A scale and polish is included in an NHS check-up only if it is medically necessary. If you have gum disease or heavy plaque, your dentist will provide this treatment. However, if your teeth and gums are healthy, you may need to book a private hygiene appointment for a thorough cleaning.
To keep your smile bright, practising good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly is essential. If you are unsure whether you need a scale and polish, speak to your dentist at your next NHS check-up!
