Polishing (Teeth)

Polishing (Teeth) is the final stage of a professional dental cleaning in which a rotating rubber cup or brush and a mildly abrasive polishing paste are used to smooth enamel and remove surface stains and soft plaque. The procedure typically follows scaling and root planing, is usually painless, and leaves teeth feeling smoother and looking brighter, though some people may experience brief sensitivity.

Polishing helps reduce microscopic roughness where plaque and bacteria can adhere, supporting better daily oral hygiene, but it does not remove hardened tartar or treat deep stains beneath the enamel. It is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist during routine cleanings and should be done with appropriate materials and technique to avoid excessive abrasion of the enamel.