However, Pierre Fauchard, the father of modern dentistry, is credited for the introduction of tooth polishing to remove dental stains.

Early polishing pastes consisted of finely ground coral, egg shells, ginger or salt.

[4] Within the last century, Alfred Fones, the founder of dental hygiene, began educating students on coronal tooth polishing.

Some prophylactic pastes contain fluoride to aid in the remineralization of the enamel surface and others help reduce dentinal sensitivity.

A recent study indicated that Erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser treatment could create a smoother enamel surface compared to conventional polishing methods.

[7] Current evidence suggest that prophylactic polishing is only necessary when extrinsic stain is present on the tooth surface.

[1] Previously, tooth polishing was a service provided at every hygiene appointment, due to this many patients expect this as part of the routine care.

Other external factors that can lead to extrinsic staining are smoking, some antimicrobial rinses, and environmental working conditions where there is exposure to metallic dust.

[5] The mineral components of saliva and polishing pastes containing fluoride can assist in remineralizing this outer layer.

[5] Materials such as gold, amalgam, composite, porcelain, and titanium implants can be polished by using specifically designed pastes such as those that contain rouge, tripoli, cuttle powder, emery, or coarse pumice to prevent roughened or scratched surfaces.

Aerosols are produced during tooth polishing and may transmit infectious diseases to other people in the dental office.

[5] This can become problematic because some microorganisms remain in the air for an extended period of time and can contaminate hard surfaces.