Does Teeth Cleaning Whiten Teeth? A Comprehensive Guide
Many people wonder if a professional teeth cleaning can whiten their teeth. The short answer is: yes, but to a limited extent. While a cleaning won't give you the dramatic results of professional whitening treatments, it can significantly improve the appearance of your smile by removing surface stains and revealing brighter, healthier teeth.
This article will delve into the details, exploring how teeth cleaning contributes to whitening, what to expect, and what other options are available for a whiter smile.
How Does Teeth Cleaning Help Whiten Teeth?
During a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup from your teeth. This buildup is a major culprit behind surface stains, which can dull the natural brightness of your enamel. By removing these deposits, the underlying tooth structure becomes more visible, resulting in a noticeable brightening effect. Think of it like cleaning a dusty window – once the grime is gone, the glass shines through more clearly.
The cleaning process also involves polishing your teeth, further enhancing their brightness. This polishing removes even more surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean. However, it's crucial to understand that cleaning addresses surface stains only.
What Kind of Stains Does Teeth Cleaning Remove?
Teeth cleaning effectively removes extrinsic stains – those that occur on the outer surface of your teeth. These are typically caused by:
- Food and beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and certain fruits and vegetables are notorious for staining teeth.
- Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly discolors teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting brushing and flossing allows plaque and tartar to accumulate, leading to staining.
Teeth cleaning does not remove intrinsic stains, which are embedded within the tooth structure itself. These are often caused by:
- Medications: Certain antibiotics can cause tooth discoloration.
- Trauma: An injury to a tooth can lead to internal staining.
- Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development can cause discoloration.
Will Teeth Cleaning Make My Teeth Perfectly White?
No, teeth cleaning alone won't make your teeth perfectly white, especially if you have intrinsic stains or significant discoloration. While it brightens your teeth by removing surface stains, it doesn't alter the inherent color of your teeth. For more dramatic whitening, you'll need professional bleaching treatments or at-home whitening kits.
What Other Options Are Available for Whitening Teeth?
Several options are available for those seeking whiter teeth beyond professional cleaning:
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Your dentist can perform in-office whitening treatments using powerful bleaching agents for noticeable results.
- At-Home Whitening Kits: These kits typically involve custom-fitted trays and bleaching gel, offering a more gradual whitening process.
- Whitening Toothpastes: These contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains, but their whitening effect is usually less dramatic than other methods.
How Often Should I Get My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
For optimal oral health and to maintain the brightness achieved through cleaning, it's recommended to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. This regular maintenance helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, keeping your teeth cleaner and brighter in the long run.
In summary, while a professional teeth cleaning won't magically transform your teeth into a dazzling white, it plays a vital role in maintaining oral health and improving the appearance of your smile by removing surface stains and revealing a brighter, healthier-looking smile. If you're looking for dramatic whitening, consider discussing other options with your dentist.
