Have you ever gone into the dentist for your semi-annual visit and wondered why they are doing all the various things to your teeth? This may be especially true when it comes to teeth polishing. Is it purely cosmetic, or does it have a benefit that you may not have thought of? Here is what you always wanted to know about this routine part of your general dentistry visit.

Polishing Provides That Minty Fresh Feeling

One of the main benefits of having your teeth polished is that you are going to leave the office with that minty fresh feeling in your mouth due to them being clean. Some people really enjoy the sensation of having really clean teeth that is left behind after leaving the dental office. While this is not necessarily something that you need, it can help you feel good about your oral health.

Polishing Removes Stains

The polishing process is as if you brushed your teeth with a really abrasive toothpaste. A polishing is actually going to do a great job at removing any stains on your teeth that have developed since your last cleaning. By getting regular polishings, you'll help prevent your teeth from becoming discolored over time, which can help fight all those morning coffees you had during the past six months. While this is more of a cosmetic reason to get your teeth polished, it's a great benefit for those that do not want their teeth to become discolored due to the foods or beverages that they consume. 

Polishing Removes Residual Plaque

While your dentist is going to do a thorough job removing any plaque and tartar found on your teeth and beneath the gums, polishing is going to help remove any of that plaque that may have been missed during the cleaning. This can give you some peace of mind that your teeth will be as clean as possible when you leave after your dental checkup.

Polishing Smooths The Surface

The polishing process is actually going to smooth out the surface of your teeth as well, which will create less surface area for plaque to stick to. This will help improve the health of your teeth, because if the plaque cannot easily stick to the surface then you will have less of a chance of developing tooth decay. Your teeth will not be impervious to collecting plaque, but it will make it difficult for a length of time after your teeth are polished.