Teeth polishing achieves a smooth, high-luster finish on the visible surfaces of the teeth. This process removes surface stains and microscopic roughness left by everyday wear, resulting in a brighter smile. Polishing is distinct from scaling, which removes hardened calculus (tartar). By enhancing the enamel surface quality, polishing makes it more difficult for new plaque and extrinsic stains to attach. This article explores both professional methods and safe at-home techniques for improving surface shine.
Professional Teeth Polishing Techniques
Dental professionals use highly specialized tools and materials to polish teeth in a controlled environment. The most traditional method involves a slow-speed handpiece fitted with a soft, disposable rubber cup or brush. This cup rotates gently against the tooth surface while holding an abrasive polishing agent called prophylaxis paste.
The procedure’s effectiveness and safety depend heavily on selecting the appropriate prophylaxis paste. Prophy paste contains abrasive particles like pumice, calcium carbonate, or silicas. These pastes are available in a range of grits, classified as coarse, medium, fine, and micro-fine. Coarser grits are used selectively for heavy stains and must be followed by a fine-grit paste to smooth out any microscopic scratches.
Another sophisticated technique is air-powder polishing, which uses a pressurized stream of water mixed with a fine powder, such as sodium bicarbonate, to clean the tooth surface. This system is highly effective at reaching areas that a rubber cup cannot, such as between teeth or around orthodontic brackets. Dental professionals select the least abrasive agent necessary to remove the stain, focusing on short, intermittent application and light pressure to protect the underlying enamel.
Safe At-Home Methods for Surface Shine
For individuals seeking a brighter surface at home, the key is to understand and control the level of abrasion being applied to the teeth. The abrasiveness of a product is measured on a scale called Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA), where a higher number indicates a more abrasive formula. Standard daily toothpastes typically fall between 70 and 100 RDA, while specialized polishing or intense whitening toothpastes may range up to 200.
These higher-RDA products should only be used occasionally, perhaps a few times per week, rather than as a daily substitute for regular fluoride toothpaste. Using such an abrasive paste consistently can lead to unnecessary wear on the enamel, so they should be rotated with a gentle formula. The goal of these pastes is to physically remove surface stains that a less abrasive product cannot, using ingredients like specialized silicas or aluminum oxide.
A popular temporary method involves using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Although it feels gritty, baking soda has a very low RDA value, typically around 7, making it far less abrasive than most commercial toothpastes. While it helps lift surface stains and neutralize acids, it should not replace fluoride toothpaste, as it lacks necessary cavity protection ingredients. Always pair any polishing product with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a light touch to minimize physical scrubbing action.
Avoiding Enamel Damage and Over-Polishing
The most significant risk associated with both professional and at-home polishing is the potential for enamel damage caused by excessive abrasion or frequency. Enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth, can be thinned or weakened if subjected to aggressive polishing techniques. This thinning can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, particularly when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
Over-polishing can also roughen the tooth surface at a microscopic level, despite the temporary appearance of shine. A rougher surface provides more anchor points for plaque and stains, ultimately leading to faster re-accumulation of discoloration. To prevent this, dental professionals practice “selective polishing,” only treating surfaces that still have visible stains after the initial cleaning.
For most individuals, professional polishing is generally recommended only once every six months during a routine dental check-up. At home, avoid excessive force and high-frequency use of abrasive products, as the combination of pressure and particle size accelerates wear. If you notice persistent sensitivity or a dulling appearance shortly after polishing, consult your dentist immediately, as these are signs that your technique or products may be too harsh.