Is it necessary to perform air polishing during dental cleaning?
If there is significant tooth discoloration, air polishing may be necessary after scaling. If regular scaling meets the cleaning needs, air polishing is generally not required.
If the tooth surface has severe discoloration, such as stains from smoking, tea, coffee, or if the enamel surface is rough and has a friction sensation, it is recommended to undergo air polishing after scaling. Air polishing can remove pigments and dirt that are difficult to clean through brushing, improving the appearance of teeth. It also polishes the tooth surface, reducing roughness and helping prevent the reformation of tartar.
If there is no obvious discoloration on the tooth surface and the discoloration is only slight due to daily dietary habits, regular scaling alone is usually sufficient for cleaning, and additional air polishing is unnecessary. Although air polishing effectively removes pigments, the high-speed particles may cause minor wear to the tooth surface. For individuals with sensitive teeth or thin enamel, frequent air polishing may exacerbate tooth sensitivity; therefore, these individuals should carefully consider air polishing.
It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, clarify the condition of the mouth and teeth, and proceed with treatment under the guidance of a professional dentist.