Teeth cleaning vs Teeth whitening: The differences

Two procedures stand out when it comes to sprucing up your smile: teeth cleaning and teeth whitening. 

It's common to confuse these procedures and wonder whether a teeth cleaning will result in a whiter smile or if teeth whitening will effectively remove plaque.

Despite the confusion, both of these procedures improve your smile. 

Let's dive into the teeth cleaning vs whitening debate and explore the best ways to achieve a gorgeous smile with healthy teeth. 

Teeth cleaning vs Whitening

Teeth cleaning is all about maintaining the ongoing health of your teeth and gums, while teeth whitening procedures are more focused on the cosmetic side of things.

When patients visit our clinic, the debate between cleaning vs whitening teeth often comes up. 

Understanding the unique benefits of each procedure will help you make the best decisions for your oral health. Let's break it down for you!

What is Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning is a routine and straightforward procedure to eliminate plaque and other deposits from the tooth surfaces. 

This cleaning procedure targets the gum line and spaces between teeth to guarantee the complete removal of any residue.

By removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and in between them, teeth cleaning:

• Reduces the risk of various tooth and gum issues. 
• Eliminates any residue that can cause an unpleasant sensation in the mouth. 
• Provides you with a fresh breath.

Why regular Teeth cleaning is necessary?

It's important to keep an eye on any plaque or bacteria buildup in your mouth because it can really impact the health of your gums and teeth, possibly leading to tooth loss and other serious health issues.

Regular professional cleaning every six months is essential to maintain healthy teeth, although some patients may require more frequent cleanings if they are prone to decay or have a history of gum disease.

Here are some signs that it might be time for teeth cleaning:

• Your gums are looking red, swollen, and feeling sore.
• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss.
• Your teeth feel a bit loose in your jaw.
• You notice pockets forming between your teeth and gums.
• You have persistent bad breath that won't go away, even after brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.

Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is essential for various reasons, providing a wide range of benefits for your daily life:

• Prevention of tooth decay.
• Prevention and relief from gum disease.
• Relief from bad breath.
• Detection of more serious dental issues. 

After your dentist cleans your teeth, you might see that they look a little whiter. This happens because the yellow tartar removed during the cleaning can make your teeth appear whiter. 

But making your teeth whiter is not the main reason for getting a dental cleaning; it's just a nice extra benefit.

What is Teeth Whitening?

The main purpose of teeth whitening is to enhance your smile, making it whiter and brighter, as this procedure is primarily cosmetic.

Skilled dentists can help remove stains from things like coffee, red wine, smoking, and just everyday eating. 

It's considered more of an elective treatment than a cleaning.

Is required a professional?

Many products, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and trays, are designed to give you a whiter smile. 

These products typically contain peroxides that help eliminate both intrinsic and superficial stains.

While at-home products can help, they may deliver fewer results than professional treatment in a dental clinic with experts and top-notch equipment.

Professional in-office whitening treatments are typically completed in multiple short appointments customized to your specific requirements.

A whitening agent is applied at 15 to 30-minute intervals, and the entire appointment usually lasts no longer than an hour and a half.

These treatments are perfectly safe, making them a preferable choice compared to using home whitening kits.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening procedures may not directly impact your oral health, they can certainly influence your overall well-being. 

Feeling confident about your smile can significantly boost your mood and self-esteem.

If you're not comfortable with your stained or yellow smile, opting for a teeth whitening procedure can be a fantastic choice. 

Would you like to have a teeth cleaning or whitening treatment?

Making teeth cleaning a routine every six months should be a top priority, considering the importance of maintaining dental health and preventing future dental diseases. 

Stained teeth can be perfectly healthy if they are kept free from plaque and tartar.

As mentioned earlier, dental cleaning often results in somewhat whiter teeth. Additionally, many whitening treatments are more effective on clean teeth.

At 4th Floor Dental, our experienced professionals are ready to provide teeth cleaning procedures using specialized tools to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth as part of our preventive care service. 

Our experienced cosmetic dentists can also help you achieve a brighter smile and maintain excellent dental care.

Ready to get started? Book an appointment right away and let us help you achieve a healthy, bright smile.

In a nutshell

Who wouldn't want a dazzling smile, right? 

Regular teeth cleaning reduces the risk of cavities and tooth loss, contributing to a healthier smile. 

On the other hand, teeth whitening procedures are excellent for removing those stains from your smile that make you uncomfortable. Even if teeth whitening can be done at home, seeking professional assistance is advisable for the best results.

While both procedures have their merits, it's important to recognize that regular teeth cleaning is essential for oral health, while teeth whitening is optional.

Now that you have this in mind, the next step is to book your next teeth cleaning appointment!

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