A clean and polish is a very common dental treatment which should be carried out as part of a complete oral preventive plan along with tooth brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits.

During a routine clean and polish at Amsel and Wilkins in Banbury, our experienced hygienists will assess the state of your teeth and gums and thoroughly remove all plaque deposits and stain from your teeth. Your dentist will remove hardened plaque with special equipment and polish your teeth with a paste. After a professional clean, you will get an extra-squeaky clean feeling.

Why do you need to clean and polish your teeth?

Our teeth and gums are under constant threat from the sugars present in our food, which are slowly released as we eat. When combined with plaque, food residue forms a thick bacterial film over the teeth that produces a harmful acid. Not only is plaque unattractive – if it’s not removed it can lead to serious oral complications including gum disease.

A hygienist’s clean and polish will remove all traces of plaque from your mouth and leave your teeth and gums feeling clean and smooth. This will also prevent bacteria sticking to your teeth, which can lead to the build-up of plaque and gum disease.

Does it hurt?

Cleaning and polishing your teeth is an entirely painless procedure, with many patients reporting ‘tickling’ or ‘scraping’ sensations. However, if you have sensitive gums or active gum disease, you many experience mild pain or discomfort. In that case, your dentist will use a numbing gel on the area to be treated. It is important to let the hygienist know at the time so they can help ease your pain.

Maintaining good oral hygiene

After the treatment, your hygienist will show you the best techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth. It is really essential to look after your teeth and gums between visits, as this will keep your teeth strong and healthy for longer. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and cutting down on sugary foods and beverages, can have a big impact on your oral health in the long-term.

Children can also benefit from having their teeth cleaned and polished, since they tend to consume more sugary foods and beverages than the average adult. Our hygienist can also apply fluoride varnishes or dental sealants on their teeth to help prevent decay.