A routine professional dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis, is highly effective for improving the appearance and health of teeth. The direct answer to whether a dental cleaning removes stains is yes, but this removal is limited to specific types of discoloration. A cleaning physically removes hardened plaque and surface blemishes, resulting in a noticeably brighter smile. However, it cannot alter the fundamental internal color of the tooth structure.
Identifying Removable Surface Stains
A professional cleaning is primarily effective against discoloration that adheres to the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel. These surface-level blemishes form when color-producing substances are trapped in plaque or the hardened deposit known as calculus (tartar). The rough texture of these deposits easily incorporates pigments from food and beverages.
Common sources of these external blemishes include regular consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine. Tobacco use introduces tar and nicotine that deposit deep brown or black pigments onto the enamel. Even some prescription mouthwashes and iron supplements can contribute to temporary surface discoloration.
Techniques Used to Lift Stains
The process begins with scaling, which uses specialized instruments to detach plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and just below the gumline. Hygienists often use an ultrasonic scaler, which employs high-frequency vibrations and a water spray to break up hard deposits. This step is necessary because stains are frequently trapped within or beneath these mineralized deposits.
Once the bulk of the deposits is gone, the professional performs polishing, which smooths the enamel and removes remaining surface discoloration. This involves using a slow-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup and an abrasive paste. The paste physically lifts the microscopic layer of stain and creates a smoother surface that is less likely to attract new pigments. For stubborn discoloration, air-polishing may be used, employing a pressurized stream of air, water, and fine powder particles to blast away pigments.
Stains That Require Cosmetic Treatment
While cleaning is excellent for surface blemishes, it is ineffective against discoloration that originates from within the tooth structure. These internal stains are embedded in the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, or result from structural changes. Since the discoloration is not on the surface, mechanical scrubbing or polishing will not change its appearance.
Examples of this deeper discoloration include staining caused by the antibiotic tetracycline, which incorporates into the dentin, resulting in gray or blue-gray banding. Excessive fluoride exposure during childhood (fluorosis) can also lead to permanent white, brown, or mottled spots. Trauma or nerve damage can cause internal bleeding and discoloration, leading to a dark appearance in a single tooth.
These intrinsic stains require non-mechanical, cosmetic treatments. Professional teeth whitening uses chemical agents, typically hydrogen peroxide, to penetrate the enamel and break down the pigment molecules inside the dentin. For severe or unresponsive cases, the stain must be masked using restorative solutions like composite bonding or thin porcelain veneers. These treatments cover the stained surface to create a uniformly white appearance.