Tooth polishing is a preventive dental care measure that is recommended for everyone. It helps remove the dental plaque and tartar from teeth and makes them shine. This minor cosmetic procedure also helps in avoiding cavities and tartar build-up on teeth. In this blog post, we will discuss everything about tooth polishing – from its Procedure to its Pros and Cons. So, let’s get started!
What is Tooth Polishing?
When you pay a visit to your dentist for a cleaning, he will start by scraping plaque and excess tartar off the surface of teeth. Tartar is the layer of plaque build-up on teeth that hardens in the form of complex mineral substances on the surface of teeth. It is essential to clean it because bacteria can thrive underneath the of tartar that cause dental illness. The process to remove tartar is called tooth scaling, which is performed by dental hygienists. Once the cleaning is complete, your teeth will experience dental polishing to remove stains and look shinier.
After scraping off tartar substances from teeth, tooth polishing is conducted. Dentists often use two tools for polishing. First, a low-speed tool containing small rubber over the tip with abrasive polishing paste is applied on teeth. The other tool used for polishing is the styled airbrush tool that blasts over the teeth with a baking soda mixture. If a patient face tooth sensitivity to the procedure and feels pain, an air-polishing tool which is a jet of pressurized air and water mixed with the abrasive agents is applied to polish the teeth to prevent any discomfort and pain. In addition, there are other methods which we will discuss in the following details below.
Benefits of Tooth Polishing
Tooth polishing is performed to keep tooth white, shiny, and healthy, but there are other benefits. Polishing also reduces the risk of decay by removing micro debris and plaque from the surface of teeth.
Polishing helps to preserve the tooth enamel and enhances its life. However, it is essential to regularly check your dental hygiene because plaques decrease dental health and eat away the enamel that cannot be replaced.
Another key benefit of this procedure is its painless process over the tooth scalp. Patients experience deep cleaning and smooth teeth right after the procedure.
Is polishing good for teeth?There is indeed a bit of debate about whether or not polishing your teeth is a good idea. Some people say that it can damage your teeth, while others say that it is necessary to keep them clean and healthy. In order to make an informed decision, it is important to understand the pros and cons of teeth polishing. The main benefit of teeth polishing is that it can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This can help to prevent cavities and other dental problems. Polishing also helps remove staining from tooth surface, making your teeth look brighter and more attractive. However, tooth polishing can also be harmful to your teeth. If it is done incorrectly, it can damage the enamel on your teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities and other dental problems. Ultimately, whether or not you should polish your teeth depends on your own personal dental health. If you have plaque and tartar build-up, then teeth polishing can be beneficial. However, if you do not have any dental problems, then it might not be necessary. Speak to your dentist to find out whether or not teeth polishing is right for you.
Is polishing of teeth painful?
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How often can your teeth be polished?
People love to retain healthy gum and enamel so that they feel good and confident. Unfortunately, the thing that goes with their daily routine and eating habits is the deterioration of dental health and teeth turning yellowish stains. This procedure is not just to polish the teeth but helps to remove dental stains, plaque and other microorganisms formed on enamel.
Many people experience tooth polishing during their routine visits to the dentist for cleaning roughly every six months. Some may need polishing quite frequently depending on their particular condition; for instance, people with periodontal disease may be suggested to undergo this procedure every two to three months.
It is cautioned against use at home tooth polishing products that may cause irreparable damage to the enamel layer. Due to wearing out of the outermost structure, teeth may experience an accumulation of plaque and stains. Daily brushing and flossing are necessary to maintain your bright smile and lasting dental health.
Tooth polishing has traditionally been accepted as a local deposit associated with prophylaxis procedures. However, with the excessive procedure, the tooth may experience complications due to losing a fluoride-rich layer, which then requires fluoride treatment to improve oral health. Due to these concerns, it is recommended to perform tooth polishing as per your dentist’s advice.
Tooth Polishing Types
Tooth polishing leaves your tooth look glossy. This dental procedure allows a patient to avoid tooth decay and freshen their breath. It also removes bacteria from the surface of your teeth. The procedure is both cosmetic and healthy, while it significantly improves the outlook of your teeth by enabling the removal of plaque and unwanted biofilm. Let’s delve into types of tooth polishing in detail.
- Jet Air Polishing System
It is a painless procedure that many patients enjoy. Dental hygienists often use small rubber cups with polishing paste. If the patient is in pain, a jet of pressured air and water added with abrasive material is taken into use to polish the area, which reduces the pain sensation.
- Therapeutic Polishing
Another option for polishing is Therapeutic polishing. It is preferred when as a result of a dental surgical procedure, the root is exposed. Therapeutic polishing assists in the removal of bacteria from tooth roots and reduces endotoxin and microflora on cementum.
- Coronal Polishing
It is referred to as cosmetic polishing designed to keep teeth clean of plaque and stains. The process is performed to achieve a mirror-like smooth enamel that reflects high lustrous characteristics. A fine abrasive agent is applied to the surface to keep scratches smaller than 0.05 μm which is the wavelength size of visible light so that the light reflects from the surface and it appears lustrous.
- Superficial Polishing
It is related to the polishing of teeth crown. The main purpose of the technique is to achieve curative and cosmetic benefits. It ensures aesthetic improvement with some therapeutic benefits.
- Selective Polishing
The term selective polishing refers to the improvement in extrinsic stains on a specific area. The procedure is designed to remove the residual stains on the teeth after scaling. The treatment is performed with a bristle brush using a rubber cup and air powdered polishing depending upon the need of the patient.
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Conclusion:
This article provides a detailed description of what tooth polishing is, how it is done and its benefits. We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please leave us a comment below.