Tooth whitening is an important part of modern oral aesthetics. Polishing paste is a non-invasive and easy-to-use whitening method, which is widely used in clinical tooth cleaning and cosmetic oral care. Polishing paste whitening mainly relies on its physical grinding and surface cleaning effect to remove pigmentation and plaque on the surface of teeth, thereby restoring the original natural brightness of teeth. Although its whitening effect is relatively mild, it has a significant improvement effect on exogenous stains. This article aims to explore the principle, influencing factors and maintenance time of polishing paste whitening, and combine clinical practice to provide a reference for dental practitioners and aesthetic oral treatment.
1. Composition and mechanism of action of polishing paste
Polishing paste is an oral material used for professional tooth cleaning and tooth surface polishing. Its core function is to remove tooth surface stains, pigment deposition and bacterial biofilm to improve tooth color and surface smoothness. The main ingredients include:
Abrasives : such as calcium carbonate, silica, phosphates, etc., with different particle sizes and hardnesses for gentle polishing;
Wetting agent and dispersant : prevent cracking and agglomeration, and improve the handling feel;
Flavors and Sweeteners : Enhance the patient experience;
Active ingredients (some contain) : such as fluoride, peroxide or xylitol, used to prevent caries or improve cleaning effect.
Its mechanism of action is mainly physical cleaning. The polishing paste contacts the tooth surface through rotating cleaning tools (such as rubber cups and brushes), and removes exogenous tooth stains (such as coffee, tea stains, smoke stains) and soft plaque under mechanical friction , restoring the original color of the teeth and enhancing brightness.
2. Factors affecting the whitening effect of polishing cream
The whitening effect of polishing cream is not permanent and is affected by a variety of internal and external factors. The influencing factors mainly include:
Individual oral hygiene status
Maintaining good brushing habits and regular teeth cleaning can delay the re-deposition of pigments. On the contrary, people with poor oral hygiene will have faster plaque and pigment re-deposition, and the whitening effect will last relatively short.
Eating habits
People who drink dark drinks (such as red wine, tea, coffee) for a long time or have the habit of smoking can easily stain their teeth, which will significantly shorten the whitening period after polishing .
Saliva composition and oral microecology
The mineral concentration, pH value, and bacterial flora types in saliva will affect the speed of plaque adhesion, and thus affect the rate of pigment redeposition.
Composition and frequency of using polishing paste
Coarse-grained polishing paste has a more obvious whitening effect, but it is not suitable for frequent use and may cause micro-damage to the enamel. Fine-grained formulas are more suitable for the maintenance stage.
Tooth structure and individual differences
Those with well-developed enamel, no cracks and high mineralization can maintain the cleaning effect better after polishing; while those with weak enamel or micro-cracks are easy to absorb pigments.
3. The time range of the whitening effect of polishing cream
According to clinical research and empirical observation, the whitening effect of a single polishing cream can usually last for 1 to 3 months . The specific duration depends on the above multiple factors. The more standardized reference period is as follows:
People with good oral hygiene and regular teeth cleaning : can last about 2 to 3 months;
People who smoke daily and frequently drink pigmented beverages may develop obvious pigmentation within 1 to 1.5 months;
For those who use toothpaste containing anti-pigmentation ingredients as an auxiliary , the maintenance period can be appropriately extended.
Studies have shown that professional polishing every 3 months not only helps maintain whitening, but also helps prevent caries and periodontal disease.
4. Comparison with other teeth whitening methods
Polishing paste whitening is a surface physical cleaning method, suitable for the initial treatment of pigmented discolored teeth, with a mild and stable effect. Compared with other whitening methods, it is as follows:
| method | principle | Whitening Depth | Maintenance time | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitening polish | Physical removal of surface pigments | Exogenous stains only | 1~3 months | Exogenous spots, those who need cleaning |
| Oxidant bleaching (eg, cold light, laser) | Chemically reduced deep pigments | Exogenous + endogenous | 6~12 months or even longer | Those with dark tooth color |
| Home dental stickers/trays | Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide | Exogenous + partially endogenous | 1~6 months | Moderate whitening needs |
| Cosmetic Veneers | Changing color by masking | Not affected by tooth color | Can last for many years | Severe discoloration, repair needs |
This shows that polishing paste is more suitable for short-term whitening, preoperative cleaning and maintenance treatment stages, rather than as the main treatment for severe tooth discoloration .
5. Clinical application recommendations and precautions
The frequency of use should be reasonably controlled
It is generally recommended to have professional polishing every 3 to 6 months, but not too frequently, to avoid enamel wear or dentin sensitivity.
Combined with professional teeth cleaning process
Polishing paste should be used after ultrasonic cleaning as an auxiliary step to remove residual pigments and enhance gloss, which helps to improve the overall oral cleanliness and visual effect.
Avoid gum irritation caused by improper operation
The polishing operation requires controlled speed and pressure to avoid pressing the abrasive particles into the gingival sulcus and reduce postoperative discomfort.
Postoperative Diet and Cleanliness Recommendations
Avoid consuming staining foods and drinks (such as curry, red wine, soy sauce, etc.) for 24 hours after polishing, and keep brushing and flossing regularly every day.
Combined with personalized care plan
According to the patient's tooth pigmentation type, living habits and whitening needs, anti-pigmentation toothpaste, whitening mouthwash and other products can be used in combination to increase the duration of whitening.
6. Future Development Direction and Material Innovation
With the development of oral aesthetics, polishing pastes are also being optimized. Possible research and technical directions in the future include:
Introducing bioactive ingredients (such as hydroxyapatite) to enhance enamel repair capabilities;
The application of nano-particle abrasives achieves more delicate whitening and reduces wear;
③. Plant extracts (such as green tea polyphenols and xylitol) are added to enhance antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities;
Personalized pigment monitoring and care plan design to improve the predictability of maintenance effects.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Polishing paste whitening is a non-invasive, gentle and effective teeth whitening method. It is suitable for improving exogenous stains and tooth surface deposits. It can improve the brightness and cleanliness of teeth in a short period of time. The effect usually lasts for 1 to 3 months, depending on individual living habits and oral conditions. It is recommended to use it moderately in combination with professional teeth cleaning processes, and cooperate with good oral hygiene habits and diet control to prolong the whitening effect and maintain dental health. For those with long-term whitening needs, a deeper whitening method can be selected based on professional evaluation.