Does A Dental Cleaning Make Your Teeth Whiter
If you're looking for ways to get whiter teeth, you might be wondering if a dental cleaning can help. After all, a dental cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, so it makes sense that it could also help to remove stains and discoloration. In this article, we'll explore whether a dental cleaning can really make your teeth whiter.
What Is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis, is a routine procedure that involves removing plaque, tartar, and other debris from your teeth. During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will use special tools to scrape away any buildup on your teeth. They may also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and make them look brighter.
How Does a Dental Cleaning Work?
When you go in for a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will first examine your teeth and gums to check for any signs of problems like cavities or gum disease. Then, they'll use special tools like a scaler or ultrasonic cleaner to remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth. These tools can reach areas that your toothbrush can't, like between your teeth and along the gumline.
Once the plaque and tartar are removed, your dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth using a special toothpaste and a spinning brush. This helps to remove surface stains and make your teeth look brighter and shinier.
Can a Dental Cleaning Make Your Teeth Whiter?
While a dental cleaning can help to remove surface stains and make your teeth look brighter, it's not a substitute for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening involves using special products that penetrate the enamel of your teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. A dental cleaning can only remove surface stains, so if you're looking for a more dramatic change in the color of your teeth, you might want to consider teeth whitening.
That being said, getting regular dental cleanings can help to keep your teeth healthy and prevent stains from building up in the first place. By removing plaque and tartar, you'll reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease, which can also contribute to discoloration.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
Most dentists recommend getting a dental cleaning every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease or other oral health problems, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
It's also important to brush and floss regularly at home to keep your teeth clean and healthy between dental cleanings. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you'll reduce your risk of developing stains and discoloration in the first place.
The Bottom Line
While a dental cleaning can help to remove surface stains and make your teeth look brighter, it's not a substitute for teeth whitening. If you're looking for a more dramatic change in the color of your teeth, you might want to consider teeth whitening. However, getting regular dental cleanings can help to keep your teeth healthy and prevent stains from building up in the first place.
Remember to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy and bright!