You’ve likely heard from your dentist that you should be getting routine dental cleanings. Their oral health benefits are undeniable. But apart from that, there’s a cosmetic advantage that many patients want to know about: Does dental cleaning whiten teeth? They do make your teeth look whiter, but it’s not the same as professional teeth whitening. Let’s take a closer look.
What Dental Cleanings Actually Do
Dental exams and cleanings are a preventive dentistry measure, not primarily a cosmetic one. During a dental cleaning, your dentist:
- Removes the layer of plaque and hardened tartar from the teeth.
- Cleans your teeth along the gum line to reduce bacterial buildup.
- Watches out for hidden cavities or signs of gum disease.
- Works on removing surface-level stains.
- Polishes your teeth for a smooth finish.
It usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes altogether. You walk away with a fresher smile and healthier teeth and gums.
Will Dental Cleaning Whiten Your Teeth?
Many patients feel like their teeth look whiter after a cleaning at the dentist. So does it mean that professional cleanings whiten teeth? Yes, to some extent, but not in the same way as professional teeth whitening does.
Basically, dental cleanings clean your teeth only on the surface level. The plaque layer that’s making your teeth look yellow and external stains from foods and drinks are removed during this process.
That’s the reason teeth look brighter once the treatment is done. People with more noticeable plaque, tartar, or surface staining may notice a more visible difference after their cleaning.
When You Should Choose Professional Teeth Whitening
Let’s get this straight. Cleanings don’t work on internal staining. They don’t alter your tooth shade. A routine cleaning may remove some external stains from foods, drinks, and tobacco, but it won’t lighten intrinsic discoloration caused by factors such as aging, certain medications, or changes within the tooth.
Putting it simply, cleaning is a preventive treatment. Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is a cosmetic treatment that works on a deeper level and actually changes the shade of teeth.
So which one should you get? Cleaning or whitening? It really depends on what’s making your teeth darker.
A cleaning might be enough if you only have mild external stains. But for deeper staining or discoloration, you should talk to your dentist about teeth whitening.
Should You Get a Teeth Cleaning Before Whitening?
Yes. Many dentists recommend getting your teeth cleaned before whitening. That’s because the plaque layer on the teeth may affect your teeth whitening results. Your teeth may end up looking patchy.
Cleanings prepare your teeth for the best possible outcome.
Summing Up
Dental cleanings can make your teeth look whiter by removing plaque and surface stains. But cleanings alone are not enough for deep discoloration.
Not sure which treatment you should get for a brighter smile? Our dental experts at Hickerson Dental & Associates are here to help. Call us at (713) 782-3123 to schedule your consultation today!