Teeth Whitening and Cleaning
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Professional Teeth Cleanings
Confusing teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are common among patients. Although the two procedures share similarities, they are very different and so is their purpose. The main objective of teeth cleaning is to eliminate plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. This procedure reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure that removes tooth stains and discoloration. Simply put, teeth cleaning improves the health of your mouth, and teeth whitening brightens and improves the appearance of your teeth.
Teeth cleanings
Teeth cleanings are most commonly performed by your dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a primary health care provider who has received special training and licensing to clean and polish a patient’s teeth. During your teeth cleaning procedure, your dental hygienist will use a series of dental tools including scrapers and picks to eliminate tartar and plaque from your teeth. After the plaque has been removed during your cleaning, your hygienist will begin polishing your teeth. They will use a high-powered electric toothbrush and toothpaste with a gritty-like consistency. Your hygienist will complete your cleaning by flossing your teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Lastly, it is time to discuss teeth whitening. The goal of this procedure is to whiten the teeth and remove surface stains and discoloration. Tooth stains can develop over time and are caused by dietary and lifestyle factors such as drinking coffee, smoking, and taking certain medications.
Teeth whitening does not offer any oral health benefits, but it can improve your confidence and self-esteem. With that said, tooth stains don’t signify health problems unless the stains are a result of plaque and tartar build-up.
Teeth cleaning and teeth whitening treatments
Patients can have their teeth professionally whitened or can use over-the-counter products to achieve results. Many people confuse teeth cleaning with teeth whitening. It’s important to know that both of these procedures are different and also have different goals. A tooth cleaning is important for maintaining proper dental hygiene, while a teeth whitening has cosmetic benefits such as a boost in confidence. Described below are some of the differences between teeth cleaning and teeth whitening treatments. A teeth whitening procedure entails a group of procedures that remove teeth stains caused by smoking, drinking coffee, or other activities that stain teeth. This type of procedure doesn’t have any health benefits and is mainly done due to cosmetic and aesthetic purposes.
In Summary
The bottom line is that teeth whitening is more important for the aesthetics of your teeth, while teeth cleaning aims at maintaining the health of your gums and teeth. Although teeth whitening procedures are optional, teeth cleanings are important for good oral health and should be a requirement by your standards.
