### What is Dental Polishing? Dental polishing, also known as tooth polishing, is a procedure performed by your dentist to keep your teeth clean and healthy. ### How is it Done? 1. **Rubber Cup Method**: A slow drill with a rubber cup or brush is used. The cup is dipped in dental polishing paste, which is an abrasive that scrubs away stains and plaque. 2. **Air Powder Polishing**: This method uses a mixture of water and baking soda with air and water pressure to polish your teeth. It can reach areas that the rubber cup cannot. ### Benefits - **Cosmetic Improvement**: Polishing can remove surface stains, making your teeth look cleaner and healthier. - **Plaque Removal**: Helps in removing plaque, although it doesn't prevent gum disease. ### Risks - **Enamel Damage**: Over-polishing can damage the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity. - **Gum Irritation**: Some polishing methods can irritate the gums. ### Home Kits While there are home kits available, they are not recommended for regular use as they can be too abrasive and cause damage. ### Conclusion Regular dental visits for professional cleaning and polishing are essential for maintaining oral health. Always consult your dentist before trying any home dental polishing kits.