Dental cleaning

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Victor - 09 Feb 2007 09:20 GMT

What is the purpose of dental polishing? As I understand, stains are
an aesthetic issue, right? If so, can I skip polishing? Because I am
concerned of the enamel loss more than aesthetic benefit.

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Steven Bornfeld - 09 Feb 2007 15:41 GMT

> What is the purpose of dental polishing? As I understand, stains are
> an aesthetic issue, right? If so, can I skip polishing? Because I am
> concerned of the enamel loss more than aesthetic benefit.

You know eskimos supposedly have 150 words for snow? We dentists have
almost as many words for schmutz. Polishing removes plaque, materia
alba, and other detritus. Heavy calculus is best scaled off, but on
root surfaces especially scaling can indeed leave small scratches which
are a nidus for new plaque and calculus formation.
If you're getting your teeth polished no more than (say) every 3 months
(a common interval for periodontal patients) I don't think you need
concern yourself with abrasion from dental polishing. Bad toothbrush
technique is another story altogether--consider the frequency of that.

Steve

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Newbie - 09 Feb 2007 16:05 GMT

>What is the purpose of dental polishing?

To create a smooth surface so that plaque has a more
difficult time adhering to the tooth structure.

>As I understand, stains are
>an aesthetic issue, right?

Nope.

>If so, can I skip polishing?

Maybe but usually not.

>Because I am
>concerned of the enamel loss more than aesthetic benefit.

No need to be concerned.

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