Teeth polishing is your way to achieve a glossy, shiny, and sparkling smile. It’s a painless dental procedure that’s usually done after the scaling procedure is complete. Dentists use it to give a finishing touch to the patient’s teeth. This process removes the film of bacteria on the teeth caused by staining foods and drinks.
However, despite being so effective and beneficial, teeth polishing often raises concerns. There’s a popular belief that polishing harms the enamel, which is a protective layer.
Weakening of this protective layer can lead to issues such as sensitivity. So, does polishing teeth damage enamel, or is it just a myth that needs to be debunked? We’ll find out the facts in this blog.
Does Polishing Teeth Damage Enamel?
Polishing is a dental procedure that’s used as a treatment. Like any other dental treatment, it has side effects, if not done properly. Experiencing issues like sensitivity, which is one of the side effects of teeth polishing, can result from excessive use of this procedure.
According to health experts, many people overuse it as a cosmetic treatment to enhance their look. But ideally one should undergo this procedure not more than two times a year. Some folks also blame the dental polishing paste for the damage to their enamel.
They should know that the paste used during the polishing procedure is specially formulated to remove the film of stain without harming the teeth. This procedure is completely safe if done in moderation and studies also support this claim.
Is There Any Scientific Evidence of Enamel Damage from Polishing?
To be sure whether polishing teeth is harmful or not, we should look at some scientific evidence. A dental polishing study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology claims that now dentists don’t recommend dental polishing as part of routine scaling and root planing procedures.
This is because the overuse of dental polishing can wear off the outermost part of the teeth which takes a long time to recover. It can lead to more accumulation of bacteria and affects the tooth. That’s why now dentists perform this according to the patient’s needs and not as a compulsory treatment.
So, those who are thinking of polishing teeth at the dentist should not overdo it to get more aesthetically appealing results.
Additionally, to avoid the side effects of this procedure, an experienced dentist will also take care of the following things:
- Use a polishing agent that is the least abrasive yet effective.
- Time, pressure, and speed should be in the dentist’s control.
- Apply a softer abrasive particle than the restorative material.
- Use proper technique to clean the exposed enamel and dentin surface.
You will be amazed with your teeth polishing before and after results if these things are taken care of, especially the proper use of technique, which is often only possible with a good dentist in your locality.
Tooth Polishing Tools, Techniques, and Benefits
Those who have come this far in the blog now must know whether teeth polishing is good or bad for the enamel. So, let us gather knowledge about the tooth polishing techniques in detail:
1. Cosmetic Polishing
This polishing technique is not a strictly cosmetic procedure. Dentists use it to remove plaque and stains from teeth. During this procedure, dental experts polish enamel in such a way that it reflects visible lights.
Benefits:
- Smooths the rough patches on teeth, enhances the smile, and boosts confidence.
- Removes stains and plaque and prevents gum problems and issues like cavities.
Scaler handpieces, polishing discs, and micro-fiber polishing cloth are some of the tools used by dentists for cosmetic polishing.
2. Therapeutic Polishing
The dentist uses it when the cementum, a specialised calcified substance that covers the root, is exposed during surgery. This procedure removes the microflora and endotoxins from the cementum and saves the tooth from more damage.
Benefits:
- It enhances oral comfort by reducing plaque and bacteria and also reduces irritation in soft tissues.
- Promote overall oral health by removing the stains from the teeth’s surface and also give a bright smile.
The equipment typically used for this procedure includes prophy angles, rubber cups, air polishers, polishing discs, and brushes.
3. Superficial Polishing
It’s a cosmetic procedure that completely focuses on the crown of the tooth. It has a very minimal benefit for dental health as it’s only helpful for aesthetic purposes.
Benefits
- Gives an attractive aesthetic smile that improves overall facial appearance.
- It is a quick and painless procedure that helps patients improve their smile comfortably.
Dentists use tools, such as air polishers, rubber polishing cups, polishing strips, and bristle brushes to perform this procedure.
4. Selective Polishing
This is a technique to remove the leftover stains after the scaling procedure. Dental experts also call it extrinsic stain removal.
Benefits:
- Gives a finishing touch to the teeth by removing the remaining stains after the scaling.
- Reduces the bacteria and improves appearance to make the smile more aesthetically pleasing.
Rubber cups, prophylactic paste, and dental tape are some of the tools that the dentist uses during this treatment.
So, these were the common dental polishing techniques that dentists use to help people achieve a smooth and radiant smile.
Moreover, to avoid any teeth polishing side effects, one should be aware of its frequency in detail.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Polished in a Year?
We know that the overuse of teeth polishing does remove the enamel. This is why it’s important to know the frequency of teeth polishing.
Well, the general recommendation is to undergo this procedure twice a year to be on the safe side. However, those patients who have severe dental problems and a history of having gum disease may need more than two or fewer polishing sessions. That’s why it’s crucial to consult a well-experienced and qualified dentist for teeth polishing to get good results and prevent damage.
In Patna, Dr. Aishwarya is the best dentist in Patna for such treatments. She holds a rich experience of over 10 years which makes her stand out from the crowd. Being a dentist for such a long time has made her understand the right frequency of teeth polishing for each individual case.
So, wait no more and contact her to get teeth polishing treatment from one of the most renowned dentists in Patna. Meanwhile, you can go through this FAQ section to be more clear about your decision to get teeth polishing.
FAQs
Go through the following teeth polishing queries to get an idea of what you can expect during and after your treatment.
1. Does enamel grow back after polishing?
No, tooth enamel can’t grow naturally once it wears off. Only scientists can grow it back in a laboratory setting, where the tooth is outside the body.
2. Why have dentists stopped polishing teeth?
Dentists have not stopped polishing teeth; they just don’t use it as part of routine scaling and root planing procedures when not required. This is because frequently polishing teeth damages enamel.
3. What are the disadvantages of polishing?
There are no such severe disadvantages of polishing teeth if done properly and in a controlled way. Side effects like enamel damage and gum irritation occur from improper technique or overuse.
4. How long does teeth polishing last?
Generally, teeth polishing lasts up to six months, but the period may be longer if your oral hygiene routine is in check.
5. Does teeth polishing whiten teeth?
Dentists don’t perform teeth polishing procedures especially for teeth whitening, but it does make the teeth look brighter and shiny.
6. What do dentists use to polish teeth?
There are many tools and products that dentists use to polish teeth, but the prophylaxis paste is the most common and effective one.
7. What is selective polishing?
It is a teeth-polishing technique that the dentist uses to clean the leftover stains after the dental scaling procedure.
8. Can teeth polishing make the teeth sensitive?
Yes, teeth polishing and some other dental treatments can make your teeth sensitive. However, it will be for a very short time and go away on its own.
9. Can I eat or drink after teeth polishing?
Dental polishing is a comfortable procedure that allows you to eat after it’s finished. However, one should wait for at least 30 minutes if they have air polishing.
10. What foods to avoid right after teeth polishing?
Patients should avoid acidic, crunchy, and hard foods after the procedure to achieve better results.
Restore the Shine and Health of Your Teeth Today!
Many people wonder, “does polishing teeth damage enamel?”, and it is fine to have concerns about this procedure. Even dental experts accept that it has some side effects, but only if you overdo it.
Normal people with no severe dental issues or history should undergo this procedure only twice a year. Also, try to consult good dental experts for the procedure. Dr. Aishwarya Roy is the top dental doctor in Patna for this treatment. Her experience and expertise are unmatchable. She runs a successful dental clinic in Patna, where every patient is treated with utmost respect and compassion.
Additionally, the teeth polishing price at the Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Care Clinic is also quite reasonable. To get a treatment, you can either visit her clinic in person or book an online appointment through the official website.
