An oral prophylaxis is a routine cleaning done in the dental office, consisting of two parts. First, your dentist or dental hygienist removes all plaque, calculus and soft deposits above and below your gumline, as the textbook Essentials of Dental Assisting explains. Next, they will use an abrasive paste and a motorized handpiece with an attached rubber cup to polish your crowns — which are the visible portions of your teeth. This creates a smooth, clean surface that helps repel plaque, notes Essentials of Dental Assisting.
While coronal polishing is sometimes part of a routine dental cleaning, it is not a replacement for regular oral prophylaxis, which removes all plaque and calculus. In fact, polishing only the crown portion of your teeth is sometimes called cosmetic polishing, according to an article published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP). This is because, other than removing stains and plaque to smooth and shine the tooth, polishing offers no other therapeutic benefit.
Dentists and licensed dental hygienists are the only professionals legally allowed to perform a complete oral prophylaxis. However, some states do permit dental assistants to perform coronal polishing, as long as they have met state requirements. For example, the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry offers a training course that is required for any dental assistants who want to perform coronal polishing in Texas. After completing the course and meeting state requirements, they can perform the polishing procedure with the supervision of a dentist.
The following scenarios, outlined by an article published in DentistryIQ, are usually the only times a dentist would recommend an extra polishing:
If tooth stains reach inside the enamel, otherwise known as intrinsic stains, polishing is not recommended since it won't be effective for this type of staining. Plus, polishing tooth enamel removes a bit of the tooth's fluoride-rich layer, which then takes about three months to rebuild, according to the JISP article. This is why, if extra polishing is necessary, it should be done with the least abrasive paste, using the proper technique, pressure and speed.
If you meet any of the following criteria outlined by the DentistryIQ article, your dentist will likely not recommend polishing:
In addition to maintaining a good oral care regimen at home, keeping up with routine dental visits and cleanings will keep your teeth healthy and stain-free most of the time. However, if your dentist feels that you would benefit from an extra polishing, you should feel comfortable going ahead with the procedure. Afterward, you can enjoy that wonderful feeling of smooth, polished enamel, as well as a sparkling white smile.
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
Dental visits
10 Common Questions To Ask Your DentistAt each appointment, asking dental questions is an important part of your long-term healthcare. Here are 10 you should get the answers to.
Dental visits
Understanding Deep Sedation At The Dentist's OfficeWith some types of dental work, your dentist might recommend a type of anesthetic like deep sedation. Learn all about deep sedation and what it's used for.
Dental visits
How to Find an Affordable DentistThose without insurance believe an affordable dentist is out of reach, but these regular dental visits are a must. Here's how to find care in your budget.
Dental visits
10 Signs You Have the Best DentistIf you're wondering whether or not yours is top of the line, consider these 10 things all good dentists do for their clients.
Power away plaque with Colgate Total Battery Powered Toothbrush. This battery operated toothbrush for adults fights the root cause* of cavities, plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, tartar buildup**, and stains***. Plus, this battery toothbrush has a built in 2 minute timer and features two cleaning modes, Sensitive and Regular, to cater to your unique oral care needs.
Colgate Total Active Prevention Whitening Toothbrush is a soft toothbrush with charcoal infused spiral and Floss-Tip bristles (1). This soft bristle toothbrush fights the root cause* of cavities, plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, tartar buildup**, and stains*** and also helps remove surface stains to prevent stain buildup.
