Starting with Good oral hygiene, you will have a bright and healthy smile as well as the foundation of a dentist’s regular teeth cleaning. Many people mostly rely on this practice to remove the bacteria, plaque, and stained areas in the mouth. What is more, a lot of people get confused and label cleaning and polishing as the same thing, when in actual fact they are separate procedures executed in different ways and for various reasons. And knowing their contrast can be a means of deciding the right path to your oral health.

And now we will go further into the field of teeth cleaning and polishing, the benefits and what you may likely expect during your next dental visit.

What Is Teeth Cleaning?

In its turn, teeth cleaning can be named in several different ways: teeth cleaning, scaling, etc. It is a professional procedure, which is performed by a dentist or a hygienist, to help in the removal of the following: plaque, tartar, and bacteria of the teeth and gums.

Purpose of Teeth Cleaning:

• This is to avoid gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
• To eliminate the tartar that is difficult to remove using the brush.
• Facilitate general oral health and cleanliness.

Read More: Preserve Your Smile with Routine Teeth Cleaning

The Teeth Cleaning Process:

1. Examination: A dentist will conduct the study of your mouth, and it will be more specific to the teeth and the gums, to be exact,/identifying any evidence of plaque or gum issues.
2. Scaling: The first one is an ultrasonic scaler, which is a device that specialises in the given work by cleaning out all the hardened tartar on the surface of the teeth and even under the gumline.
3. Rinsing: A solution is provided to you to rinse your mouth for the elimination of the debris and loosened plaque.
4. Polishing (optional): After the cleaning, some dentists do polishing for a smooth and shiny finish.

What Is Teeth Polishing?

Teeth polishing is merely the next step that follows cleaning. It provides a smooth surface for the tooth, gets rid of stains and at last, your teeth get a shiny finish.

Purpose of Teeth Polishing:

• To take away discolouration on the surface resulting from drinking tea, coffee, or smoking.
• To improve the look of the teeth and make them look whiter and cleaner.
• Create a surface that is not rough and forms no plaque.

The Teeth Polishing Process:

• By means of a soft rubber cup and polishing paste, dentists very gently buff your teeth.
• This method lasts just a few minutes, but the result is that your teeth appear very clean and very shiny.

Teeth polishing, unlike teeth cleaning, does not entail the removal of tartar or plaque that is located below the gumline. The major concern is primarily with aesthetics and the subsequent smoothness after resizing.

Difference between Cleaning Teeth and Polishing Teeth – Main Differences

To understand what is the difference between teeth cleaning and teeth polishing and why polishing the teeth is also useful, it is best to consider the following rather clear and simple analogy:

1. Aim

Teeth Cleaning (Scaling): Removes and eliminates the deposits of bacteria, tartar and plaque which are found on the teeth as well as in-between the teeth.

Teeth Polishing: Erodes out the discoloured stratum of the tooth and, in the process leaves the enamel smooth and therefore provides the teeth with a shining look.

2. Instruments Employed

Teeth Cleaning: comes along with ultrasonic scalers and fine handpieces to clean the area around the gums and deep parts.

Teeth Polishing: It involves the use of a soft rubber cup and a special polishing compound used to polish the tooth surface in a gentle manner.

3. Procedure Depth

Teeth Cleaning: Carries out its work deep inside the gumline to rid of all the hard deposits and thus maintain the health of the gums.

Teeth Cleaning: The dentist recommends carrying out the procedure twice a year or as needed in case of a certain condition.

4. Frequency

Teeth Polishing: The procedure focuses only on the front of the teeth and thus aims to make them look gorgeous and shiny.

Teeth Polishing: The brushing done after every cleaning can be so shiny, and the smile totally free from stains.

5. Outcome

Cleaning of teeth: The procedure is useful in maintaining the health of the gums, removal of gum infection and creation of a bacteria-free mouth that leads to sweet breath.

Teeth Polishing: It makes your teeth look healthy, deeply cleaned and bright, thereby making your smile attractive.

The procedures of scaling and polishing the teeth are mutual. The cleaning concentrates on giving protection to your gums and keeping up the dental hygiene standards, whereas the polishing technique makes your teeth look good and helps in preventing future plaque buildup.

Dental Cleaning Cost – What Should You Be Prepared For

The dental cleaning cost is determined by several factors:

• The city and the clinic’s popularity.
• The amount of tartar that has built up.
• Inclusion of deep cleaning or polishing in the procedure.

In India, the dental cleaning cost on average is between ₹800 and ₹2,500. If you go for a full scaling and polishing session, the charge may go up a bit.

The good thing about cleaning and polishing is that you will not have to undergo expensive dental treatments in the future.

Scaling and Polishing Teeth – The Right Interval

The recommendation from the dental professionals is to have the scaling and polishing of teeth done after a gap of 6 months. But if you are a smoker or a heavy coffee consumer or suffer from gum problems, you may need it more frequently.

Not to mention the consequences of missing these appointments:

• Discoloured yellow teeth.
• Swollen and bleeding gums.
• Bad taste in the mouth that is not fading away.

Routine dentists are better in the long-term health of the mouth, and the patient can be confident in their smile.

Conclusion

Cleansing of teeth and polishing are different only in their purpose—cleansing takes away the deposits, while polishing brings out the lustre. Both are essential phases for the attainment of a healthy and self-assured smile.

With dental care, it is one of hygiene or beauty; cleaning and polishing is the guarantee of the entire dental care. Dental checkups, proper brushing of teeth and a balanced diet are effective in maintaining the health of your teeth.