Teeth Polishing vs Cleaning: Differences & Benefits for Your Smile

Taking care of your teeth is essential to keep them healthy and shining. Many of us visit the dentist regularly for a professional clean-up, but there can be some confusion about the terms "teeth cleaning" and "teeth polishing." At Dentokraftt Dental Clinic in Mumbai, Dr. Nida Khateeb and her team explain these procedures to help you understand how each one works and why they are important for your oral health. In this blog, we will break down the differences between teeth polishing and teeth cleaning, so you can make the best decision for your dental care.



What is Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a common dental procedure that focuses on removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth throughout the day. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

During a professional teeth cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to scrape off the plaque and tartar from your teeth. This cleaning procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much buildup there is.

Teeth cleaning also involves cleaning between the teeth and along the gum line. After the cleaning is done, the dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth to smoothen their surface. This polishing helps to remove any remaining plaque or stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and shiny.


What is Teeth Polishing?

Teeth polishing is a part of the cleaning process, but it is a separate step that focuses specifically on making the surface of your teeth smoother and shinier. It is done after the plaque and tartar have been removed. During teeth polishing, a special paste is applied to your teeth, and a rotating rubber cup or brush is used to gently buff the surface. This helps remove any remaining surface stains, giving your teeth a bright, polished finish.

Teeth polishing doesn’t remove plaque or tartar. Instead, it’s all about removing surface stains and giving your teeth a smoother, glossier appearance. The polishing paste contains fine abrasives that help to smoothen the surface, which can also help prevent plaque buildup in the future.

Differences Between Teeth Polishing and Teeth Cleaning

Now that you know what each procedure involves, let's take a look at the key differences between teeth polishing and teeth cleaning:

Now that you know what each procedure involves, let's take a look at the key differences between teeth polishing and teeth cleaning:

1.     Purpose:

o    Teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth.

o    Teeth polishing is focused on removing surface stains and giving your teeth a shiny, smooth finish.

2.     Procedure:

o    Teeth cleaning uses tools to scrape off plaque and tartar.

o    Teeth polishing uses a special paste and a rotating brush or cup to smooth the teeth.

3.     Duration:

o    Teeth cleaning typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the buildup.

o    Teeth polishing usually takes just a few minutes as it is done after the cleaning.

4.     Benefits:

o    Teeth cleaning helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.

o    Teeth polishing helps to enhance the appearance of your smile and prevent future plaque buildup.

Why Are Both Important?

Both teeth cleaning and polishing are important parts of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. While cleaning ensures that plaque and tartar are removed, polishing helps to maintain a bright smile and reduce the chances of plaque sticking to the surface of your teeth. Together, these procedures help improve both the health and appearance of your smile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, teeth cleaning and teeth polishing work hand-in-hand to keep your smile healthy and bright. Teeth cleaning focuses on removing harmful plaque and tartar, while teeth polishing gives your teeth a smooth, glossy finish. If you want to make sure your teeth are in the best shape possible, both procedures should be a regular part of your dental routine. At Dentokraftt Dental Clinic in Mumbai, Dr. Nida Khateeb and her team offer professional teeth cleaning and polishing to ensure that your smile stays healthy and radiant. Book your appointment today and give your teeth the care they deserve!




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 Cosmetic Dentistry Trends You Should Know About

Top 10 Tips for Preventing Cavities and Tooth Decay

What Is a Dental Frenectomy and When Is It Necessary