What does air-powder polishing remove?

Air-powder polishing is a dental hygiene technique that utilizes a mixture of compressed air, water, and a specially formulated powder to effectively clean and polish tooth surfaces. It is particularly effective in removing extrinsic stains that accumulate on the surface of teeth, known as supragingival stains. These stains can be caused by products such as coffee, tea, tobacco, and certain foods.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of oral hygiene and dental care. Subgingival tartar, for instance, refers to hardened dental plaque that has formed below the gum line and requires different methods for removal, such as scaling. Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that can be effectively removed with standard brushing and flossing, while biofilm from the gingiva involves a more complex layer of microbial communities that might not be addressed by air-powder polishing alone. Therefore, the primary purpose of air-powder polishing aligns specifically with the removal of supragingival stains, making this the correct choice.