Teeth polishing is often included as part of routine dental cleanings, but it’s more than just a cosmetic procedure. It plays an indispensable role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Understanding teeth polishing, its benefits, and potential risks may help you make informed decisions about your oral care routine. Fortunately, this comprehensive article seeks to unpack all things ‘teeth polishing’. So, buckle up!
What is teeth polishing?
Teeth polishing is a dental procedure that involves smoothing and cleaning the surfaces of your teeth to remove stains, plaque, and minor discolourations.
It’s often performed as part of a routine dental cleaning or as a standalone cosmetic treatment. Typically paired with tooth scaling, its primary goal is to leave your teeth looking shiny, feeling smooth, and free from surface debris.
What does teeth polishing do?
Teeth polishing serves several purposes. Primarily, it removes surface stains caused by foods, beverages, and habits like smoking. This helps to brighten your smile and improve your overall appearance.
Additionally, polishing smooths the surface of your teeth, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to adhere. This contributes to overall oral health by helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Types of teeth polishing
There are two main types of teeth polishing—rubber cup/ brush polishing and air polishing. Each method has its merits and best application use cases.
Rubber cup polishing
Rubber cup/ brush polishing is the most common method used by dentists. It involves a small, soft rubber cup/ brush attached to a handpiece that rotates at slow speed high speed. The dentist applies a special polishing paste, usually containing mild abrasives, to the cup and uses it to polish the teeth.
This method effectively removes surface stains and plaque, leaving one’s teeth feeling smooth and clean.
Air polishing
Air polishing is a more advanced technique that uses a jet of air, water, and a fine powder (often made from sodium bicarbonate or glycine) to remove stains and plaque.
This method is particularly effective for reaching areas that are difficult to clean with traditional rubber cup polishing. Patients with sensitive teeth or gums may also find air polishing very helpful as it is gentle on the teeth.
Teeth polishing procedure
Teeth polishing is typically performed as the final step in a dental cleaning session. Here’s what one can expect during the dental procedure:
- Initial examination: The dentist or hygienist will inspect your teeth and gums to look for any signs of gum disease or other problems that need to be addressed before polishing.
- Scaling: If necessary, scaling is performed first to remove hardened plaque (tartar) from the teeth. This step is crucial, as polishing alone cannot remove tartar.
- Polishing: Following the scaling, the dentist or hygienist will proceed with polishing. Depending on the method chosen (rubber cup or air polishing), they will either use a rotating rubber cup with a polishing paste or a jet of air, water, and powder to clean the tooth surfaces.
- Flossing and rinsing: Lastly, the dentist will have you rinse your mouth to get rid of the polishing paste or powder and floss between your teeth to get rid of any last bits of debris.
For the most part, patients find the procedure to be comfortable with little discomfort. Furthermore, it is typically finished in a matter of minutes (approximately 30 minutes- 1 hour depending on the condition of gums & teeth ).
Benefits of teeth polishing
Teeth polishing offers several key benefits that go beyond just augmenting the appearance of your smile.
- Removes surface stains: Polishing effectively removes stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and smoking, helping to brighten your smile.
- Smoothens teeth: Polishing smooths out minor imperfections on the tooth surface. Thereby, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to adhere, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Prevents bad breath: By removing plaque and tartar, polishing helps prevent bad breath caused by bacterial buildup.
- Enhances oral hygiene: Polished teeth are easier to clean, which can improve the effectiveness of your brushing and flossing routine.
- Promotes gum health: By keeping the teeth free of plaque and tartar, polishing contributes to healthier gums and lowers the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Teeth polishing side effects
While teeth polishing is generally safe, there are some potential adverse side effects to be aware of:
- Temporary sensitivity: Some people may experience increased tooth sensitivity for a short moment on the same day after polishing.
- Gum irritation: Might cause minor gum sensitivity, although temporary.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to ingredients in the polishing paste, although this is uncommon.
Does polishing teeth damage the enamel?
When done correctly, teeth polishing does not damage the enamel. The abrasives used in polishing pastes are mild and designed to remove surface stains without harming the tooth structure.
However, excessive or overly aggressive polishing can wear down enamel over time, which is why it’s important to have the procedure done by a trained professional.
Is tooth polishing painful?
Most people find tooth polishing to be painless. However, if one has sensitive teeth or gum issues, they might experience slight discomfort during the procedure. The sensation of the polishing cup or the air polishing jet can feel strange— but it’s generally not painful.
If you do experience discomfort, let your dentist know, and they can adjust the procedure to make you more comfortable.
Teeth polishing vs. Scaling
Teeth polishing and scaling are often performed together, but they serve different purposes.
Scaling involves removing hardened plaque (tartar) from the teeth, especially below the gumline, using specialised tools. This step is imperative for preventing gum disease and maintaining oral health.
Polishing, on the other hand, focuses on removing surface stains and making the teeth smooth and shiny. While scaling targets more severe plaque buildup, polishing deals with surface-level cleaning and aesthetics.
Teeth polishing vs. Teeth whitening
Many people confuse teeth polishing with teeth whitening, but they are different procedures. Teeth whitening involves using bleaching agents to lighten the colour of your teeth, making them several shades whiter. Whitening can remove deep, intrinsic stains that polishing cannot.
Teeth polishing, however, is about cleaning and smoothing the tooth’s surface to remove surface stains and plaque. It doesn’t change the natural colour of your teeth, but it can enhance your smile by making your teeth appear cleaner and shinier.
In practice, both procedures can complement each other— but if you’re looking for a significant change in tooth colour, whitening is the way to go.
Teeth polishing price
The cost of teeth polishing in Malaysia can vary based on several basic factors, including the dental clinic’s location, the experience of the dentist, and whether the procedure is part of a routine cleaning package. On average, one can expect the following price range:
- Standalone teeth polishing: The cost typically ranges from RM 80 to RM 200 if you opt for polishing as a separate procedure without additional dental services.
- Teeth Scaling and Polishing Package: If the polishing is done as part of a routine cleaning session that includes scaling, the cost usually ranges from RM 150 to RM 350.
Prices can vary between urban centres like Kuala Lumpur or Penang and more rural areas. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to contact local dental clinics directly. Many clinics also offer promotions or discounts, so it’s worth enquiring about any ongoing deals.
Teeth polishing near me (Malaysia)
If you’re considering teeth polishing, finding a reliable dentist near you is the first step. You can survey online for clinics that offer teeth polishing and read reviews to find one that suits your needs.
Mydentist® is a well-known dental clinic in Malaysia that provides a range of services, including teeth polishing. Characterised by a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, we maintain state-of-the-art facilities to enable us to provide personalised dental services tailored to different individual needs.
FAQ
Is polishing good for teeth?
Yes, teeth polishing is good for your teeth when done as part of a regular dental cleaning routine. It helps remove surface stains, smooths the tooth surface, and reduces the risk of plaque buildup, contributing to overall oral health.
What does a polish do to your teeth?
A polish removes surface stains and plaque, leaving teeth smooth and shiny. It also makes it harder for bacteria and plaque to stick to teeth, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Does polishing make teeth whiter?
Polishing can make your teeth appear whiter by removing surface stains, but it does not change the natural colour of your teeth. For more dramatic whitening results, you would need to consider teeth-whitening treatments.
Can I eat after polishing my teeth?
Yes, you can eat after polishing your teeth. However, it’s a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, especially if fluoride treatment was applied during your cleaning session. This allows the fluoride to fully absorb into your enamel.
Can I brush my teeth after polishing?
You can brush your teeth after polishing, but there’s usually no need to do so immediately since your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned during the procedure. It’s best to wait until your next regular brushing time.
Can I drink water after teeth polishing?
Yes, you can drink water immediately after teeth polishing. Drinking water can help rinse away any residual polishing paste or powder left in your mouth.
Why do my teeth hurt after polishing?
Some people may experience mild tooth sensitivity after polishing, especially if they have sensitive teeth or gum recession. This sensitivity is usually temporary and should go away within a few hours. If the discomfort persists, it’s best to consult your dentist.
Conclusion
Through the removal of surface stains, smoothing of defects, and reduction of plaque buildup, teeth polishing is a vital dental operation that can greatly improve the appearance of your smile while also contributing to your overall oral health.
While it’s not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, incorporating professional teeth polishing into your oral care routine can give you that boost of confidence that comes with a bright, healthy smile.
Dr. Foo Chi Chean is a highly esteemed dental surgeon and implantologist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He holds the position of Pacific Rim Representative of the American Academy of Osseointegration and has served as the first Malaysian President of the Asian Oral Implant Academy. With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Malaya (BDS, 1977), Dr. Foo has developed a profound expertise in oral implantology and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Foo's illustrious career includes extensive lecturing on cosmetic dentistry and implantology across the globe. He has been invited to share his knowledge in countries such as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
He has been conferred prestigious Fellowships from the International College of Dentists (Washington), the International Congress of Oral Implantology (USA), and the Asian Oral Implant Academy (Tokyo).
In addition to his clinical and lecturing roles, Dr. Foo has served as the Consultant Cosmetic Dentist for the Miss Tourism International Pageant and the Queen of the Year International Finals.
Recognized for his contributions to dental wellness, he has been honoured as a diplomate of the International Congress of Implantologists (USA).
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Foo, visit mydentist.com.my
