Is teeth cleaning and teeth whitening the same thing?

With an advance in dental awareness, dental technology has also evolved many folds. One of the most common form of dental treatment is teeth cleaning. But there is also another procedure for teeth whitening. Often a layman gets confused between the two and some even think that teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are two different names for the same procedure. However that is not true.

Teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are two different procedures.

What is teeth cleaning?

Teeth cleaning also known as 'Scaling and Polishing' by the dentist is a procedure by which the dentist removes the tartar or plaque that has been accumulated on the teeth. In addition the dentist also removes the extrinsic stains that may have occurred due to smoking or extrinsic stains caused due to certain food items like coffee, tea, beetroot,etc. The procedure is followed by polishing of teeth using dental polishing agents. Polishing h Los in giving a little shine to the natural colour of teeth after the scaling procedure.

Thus this procedure helps in preventing tooth decay and gum diseases by removing the tartar on the teeth. In addition removal of stains helps in regaining the natural colour of the tooth.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening ,also known as 'Bleaching' is a dental proceduresolely for cosmetic purposes ,that is to obtain a brighter smile. It helps in making the shade of the teeth whiter. It can be done by the dentist using dental bleaching agents in his/her dental office (more effective and longer lasting) or at home using dental bleaching kits.A patient is usually recommended to undergo teeth cleaning procedure before dental bleaching.

This is an esthetic process to obtain a whiter smile.

Teeth cleaning v/s Teeth whitening:

Teeth cleaning helps in improvement of dental health ,while teeth whitening gives a brighter smile.