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When bacteria and plaque sit on your teeth too long, they harden into a substance called tartar or dental calculus. This substance is a dull grayish or yellowish color, and it provides a home for bacteria that damage your enamel. Tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush, so your dentist scours it off in a process called scaling. After scaling, the enamel surface of your tooth may still be stained or rough. The solution to this is tooth polishing. The guide below discusses this process in depth.

What Is Teeth Polishing?

Tooth polishing works in a similar way to sanding wood. Your dentist uses a very mild abrasive to smooth down the outer layer of your dental enamel and to remove surface stains. This process exposes your smooth, naturally white enamel again.

What Is the Process Like?

tooth polishingFor general tooth polishing, your dentist will use a small rotating brush and a special polishing paste. The brush rubs the paste against your teeth and smooths away the damaged enamel.

If you have deep stains, your dentist may also use an air-powered tooth polishing device to direct a jet of water and air at the problem area for a stronger polishing effect.

What Are the Benefits of This Procedure?

The most obvious result of tooth polishing is brighter, shinier teeth that beautify your smile. However, tooth polishing is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. A rough enamel surface provides a foothold for bacteria to grow and form more plaque, so smoothing your teeth keeps the surface clean and healthy and prevents future tartar formation.

Since tartar harbors bacteria and accelerates tooth decay, tooth polishing is the best option to preserve your teeth for as long as possible.

 

For tooth polishing services, visit Main Street Dental in La Crosse County, WI. For over 30 years, they’ve served patients of all ages by providing individualized treatment plans and even CEREC® same-day crowns. The team provides teeth whitening, extractions, and preventive dentistry to improve patients’ smiles. To make an appointment, call (608) 784-4063 or visit the website.

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