Dental Cleaning vs. Dental Polishing: What’s Best For Oral Health?
Article Written By Research Contributor, Medically Reviewed By Experts Of Serena Medical Center
Common dental problems like bad breath, stained or discolored teeth, and excessive plaque and tartar buildup can become a cause of embarrassment, insecurity, and self-consciousness in many patients, making it extremely uncomfortable for them during their social interactions and in professional settings to laugh, eat, and interact candidly. Before these dental flaws haunt you to an extent that you may start to feel anxious about your teeth’s appearance and avoid smiling naturally in public, consult our experts at Serena Medical Center, Deira, Dubai, for a top-notch teeth transformation and smile makeover that you so much deserve! Looking for the best dental cleaning and teeth polishing services near you that can be tailored to suit your dental goals and oral hygiene routines? Well, consider your hunt done! In this article, let’s understand what dental cleaning is, what dental polishing is and how dental cleaning is different from dental polishing, and, more importantly, the Serena Medical Center advantage that you cannot miss in your upcoming dental appointment! Keep reading…
What Is Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleaning and polishing are often used confusingly and interchangeably. These are popular treatments frequently opted for by those who require professional in-office procedures for improved dental health. However, both these procedures are distinguishable. Dental cleaning, as the name suggests, involves a series of steps performed by your dentist to clean the gum line and remove the plaque/tartar on and around your teeth. The benefits of dental cleaning include stain elimination, smile brightening, oral health improvement, a pleasant breath, and reduced risk of problems such as gum disease, cavities, tooth infections, and decay.
Professional dental cleaning is not the same as your routine brushing or flossing or any other activity performed as a part of your oral hygiene regimen done at home. Stubborn stains developed over time are rigorously removed using deep cleaning techniques under the supervision of a dental practitioner.
So, here’s what happens in a dental cleaning session at our Serena Medical Center. Our experts first conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums to watch out for any underlying dental issues that may have to be addressed as a priority. During the consultation, the dentist also understands your dental needs in depth and sets the expectations for the treatment procedure. By understanding your regular oral health practices, the dentist also customizes the dental cleaning process and the aftercare instructions to ensure maximum effectiveness and satisfaction from the treatment.
Using a scaler, the expert expels the accumulated plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth enamel and even in between your teeth. With a high-powered electric toothbrush and paste, the dentist then throws out any leftover debris that may remain stuck otherwise. This step is finally sealed with a water flosser, liquid rinse, and fluoride application.
If you have also heard of other related terms, you may want to immediately ask us about what dental scaling and polishing are. Benefits of dental scaling include a more targeted approach, a dedicated procedure to remove your hardened plaque (also called calculus) and deepened tartar, to prevent serious gum diseases and dental damage. If left untreated, this significant formation of strong stains over time (which has become resistant to your regular cleaning at home) can even cause severe dental complications. Dental cleaning can include teeth scaling as one of the several steps if required, whereas dental scaling is considered more intensive in nature compared to regular teeth cleaning in a clinic. Dental scaling can even target the areas in your mouth that are generally hard to reach, thanks to the use of specialized and advanced periodontal tools, both manual and motorized.
Also Read: How Do You Check For Tooth Sensitivity?
What Is Dental Polishing?
Removing external stains and unwanted deposits through dental cleaning and scaling can also cause your teeth to become roughened on the surface due to the scraping that is involved in the process. To smooth the teeth surface and make it appear shinier, the dentist can recommend dental polishing, a non-surgical and relatively painless procedure. Dental polishing is a popular in-clinic cosmetic technique performed to bring your teeth’s sparkle and gloss back with the use of polishing agents and buffing tools like a rubber cup and brushes. Dental polishing comes last in the process of teeth cleaning, and a motorized tool is used to gently polish your teeth and achieve the desired whiteness and a visibly brighter smile.
Dental polishing is a much broader concept in comparison to dental cleaning, as it also involves a primary study of your teeth to eliminate any buildup like that as plaque or tartar. Dental polishing also has health benefits, along with a smile transformation effect, like reducing the risk of calculus and extrinsic discoloration and keeping the teeth bacteria-free for a longer period. While dental polishing is more focused on the aesthetic needs of the patient, dental cleaning and scaling are more important to maintain dental hygiene and oral health. Preservation of the tooth enamel, reduced plaque, and a lesser risk of gum diseases are a few other vital benefits of teeth polishing that you must make a note of.
Also Read: Understanding The Process Of Teeth Whitening
Dental Cleaning Or Dental Polishing: Which Is Better?
While dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing are all procedures for enhanced oral hygiene, there is no sure way to pick any one of them randomly or say which of them is better, as each treatment procedure serves a specific purpose. All three of them are independent and interdependent procedures for your overall dental health. So, if you crave visibly brighter teeth that are also healthier, you need them all done in the right intervals regularly for optimal and lasting outcomes. Usually, it is advised to undergo these dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing procedures every 6 months for not just good looks and great smiles but also healthier teeth and gums. After all, preventive dentistry is always better than restorative dentistry. Consider speaking to our dentist first to find out the right dental scaling, cleaning, and polishing frequency/schedule as per your unique needs.
Factors To Choose The Right Dental Clinic For Your Oral Health
Question Time: Ask Yourself!
What are some fears and inconveniences that come to your mind first when you think of a dental clinic?
What are some fears and inconveniences that come to your mind first when you think of a dental clinic?
- Painstaking dental procedures
- Costly treatments that make a dent in your wallet
- Unexpected dental flaws that increase your treatment time
- Unfriendly staff, unhygienic facility, and/or outdated equipment
- All of the above
At Serena Medical Center, you don’t have to worry about any such discomfort during your dental procedures. We prioritize your experience in every treatment that we offer, thus focusing on each step, right from patient education to aftercare, in turn providing a comprehensive oral care journey for every individual who is opting for different cosmetic and general dentistry services in our state-of-the-art facility. A confident smile that reflects your health and happiness is what we strive to offer to each one of you. Go ahead and book your appointment now. For more such articles on our offerings and services, head to our blogs page.
Disclaimer: This piece of content is no substitute for direct medical advice. The purpose and intent of this blog is to just impart knowledge, share general tips, and spread awareness. It is in no way a replacement for any medical consultation provided by professionals. Serena Medical Center strictly recommends reaching out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further information.
