Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Dental Polishing

Dental polishing is a procedure performed by dental hygienists or dentists to remove surface stains and smooth out the surface of teeth, making them feel cleaner and appear more shiny. The procedure is usually performed after a cleaning, and is used to remove any remaining plaque or tartar that has not been removed by scaling.

The polishing is typically done with a rubber cup and a slurry of abrasive particles, such as baking soda or pumice. The cup is placed on the tooth and is rotated by a dental drill or by hand. The abrasive particles remove surface stains and smooth out the tooth enamel.

Dental polishing is a safe procedure, and is typically well-tolerated by patients. However, some patients may experience sensitivity during or after the procedure. This can be minimized by using a fluoride treatment or a desensitizing agent, or by being more gentle during the polishing process.

Polishing also has therapeutic benefits, it can help to reduce tooth sensitivity and slow down the development of tooth decay by removing plaque and bacteria from the surface of the teeth. Additionally, it can also improve the overall appearance of teeth, making them look cleaner and whiter.