Even if you know going to your Winnipeg dentist is a great thing to do for your health, it can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking. After all, what are they doing in there anyway? And even if coming to the dentist is a breeze for you, you might be wondering about why we do some of the things we do. For instance: polishing teeth.

As part of a regular cleaning appointment, dentists will use a small, round tool called a prophy cup that spins along with a slightly abrasive polishing powder to go over the front surface of your teeth.

There are a couple of reasons for this:

One is to smooth and buff the surface of your teeth and to remove minor bumps and jagged edges so your teeth look more uniform overall. Polishing also removes surface-level stains that may have accumulated since your last dental visit which are common if you drink coffee or wine, or eat highly pigmented foods. 

Smoothing the surface of your teeth makes them look great, but polishing isn’t just a cosmetic procedure—by reducing the bumps and unevenness of your teeth, you are actually making it harder for plaque and bacteria to stick to the surface, reducing instances of cavities and bad breath.

Polishing is done both on original teeth and restorations such as veneers, crown and implants. For metal restorations, polishing has the added benefit of reducing instances of corrosion. 

For the most part, polishing is a procedure that helps your smile look and feel better, but it’s not necessary or even recommended as part of your daily routine to ensure that your mouth is healthy. Unlike brushing and flossing, which you should be doing every day, you can leave the polishing up to the dentist and hygienist. 

Polishing may sometimes feel uncomfortable because the dentist has to apply pressure to ensure the procedure is having an effect, but overall it shouldn’t be painful. You should always tell your dentist if you’re experiencing pain or strong discomfort during a procedure.

Looking to get your teeth cleaned? Book an appointment today at either of our Winnipeg clinics located at St. Vital Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre.