Aftercare

Following polishing, you’ll want to give your mouth and teeth some time to recover. Your dentist or hygienist will give you specific instructions, but in general, you should avoid eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes following your appointment. Expect some gum soreness for up to three days afterward; Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), or… Continue reading Aftercare

Precautions

While there certainly are benefits to teeth polishing, it can also have some negative consequences. This procedure erodes the outer, fluoride-rich layers of tooth enamel, and it takes three months for them to become restored.  This is why current recommendations are that polishing be used selectively, reversing course from it being standard with every cleaning.… Continue reading Precautions

Benefits

Traditionally, a primary benefit of polishing was thought to be that it made it tougher for bacteria to stick to the teeth. However, more recent research has shown that, within a half-hour, bacteria development is seen regardless of whether a procedure has been done. Still, there are a number of benefits to teeth polishing, including:2… Continue reading Benefits

Types of Teeth Polishing

Teeth polishing procedures can be broken down into four types. Here’s a quick rundown: Therapeutic polishing: In some cases, dental surgery exposes the cementum of the tooth, which is the hard tissue layer that covers the root of the tooth. Polishing these areas helps remove the microflora and endotoxins caused by the buildup of the bacteria there. Cosmetic… Continue reading Types of Teeth Polishing

What Is Teeth Polishing?

Teeth polishing is a procedure to remove stains and smooth over tooth surfaces, making them shinier and more lustrous. It leaves teeth looking whiter, clearing up exogenous stains—that is, those caused by poor dental habits and hygiene. Dentists or dental hygienists use rotary brushes, air polishers, or polishing strips—often alongside abrasive pastes—to polish the surfaces of the… Continue reading What Is Teeth Polishing?

Introduction

Teeth polishing is a common dental procedure, often performed following a dental cleaning. Using specialized equipment, dentists or hygienists remove stains and discolorations from your teeth and smooth them out to provide a glossy, attractive finish.1 It’s typically a painless, well-tolerated procedure. Teeth polishing is primarily done for cosmetic reasons, applying the “finishing touches” to enhance… Continue reading Introduction