The New York Times ran an interesting, albeit short, article about polishing teeth. We’ve heard the question before, and it seems that there is some confusion with respect to polishing teeth. The primary misconception relates to some concern that good enamel will be eroded with the polishing. The short answer is that, yes, you should polish your teeth!

The Benefits of Polishing Teeth

Polishing teeth is a critical part of maintaining good oral hygiene, contributing to the overall health and appearance of our smiles. A myriad of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath affect individuals worldwide. I is essential to take good care of our teeth and gums. Polishing teeth offers a wide range of benefits such as effectively removing stains, plaque, and harmful bacteria.

One of the most notable advantages of polishing teeth is its effect on the aesthetic appeal of our smiles. Over time, our teeth tend to accumulate stains from various sources such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain medications. These stains can cause the teeth to appear yellow, brown, or even grey. This negatively affects the overall attractiveness of our smiles. Polishing teeth can efficiently remove these stains. And a brighter, whiter smile boosts self-confidence and enhances social interactions.

Another significant benefit of polishing teeth is the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. Polishing teeth can effectively remove plaque and tartar, which are primarily responsible for causing gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continuously forms on our teeth and feeds on the sugars present in food. When left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar is a hard, yellow deposit that can irritate the gums, leading to gum disease. Regular polishing of teeth not only removes plaque and tartar but also hinders their formation, thus substantially reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Moreover, polishing teeth also plays an essential role in maintaining fresh breath. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is primarily caused by oral bacteria and food particles that remain in the mouth after eating. Polishing teeth effectively cleans the tooth surface, eliminating food particles and oral bacteria that contribute to bad breath. As a result, individuals who polish their teeth regularly are less likely to suffer from halitosis, thus making their social interactions more pleasant and comfortable.

So, should you polish teeth?

Polishing teeth offers a multitude of benefits that support dental health, overall health, and well-being. Through the effective removal of stains, plaque, and bacteria, polishing teeth can greatly enhance our smiles’ appearance, promote fresh breath, prevent gum disease and tooth decay, contribute to early detection of dental problems, and encourage better oral hygiene habits. As an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene, polishing teeth should not be overlooked and must be incorporated into our dental care routines for lasting oral health and attractive smiles.

Schedule a visit at our South San Francisco office for dental cleaning and polishing.