The gritty material that is used by the dental hygienist to polish your teeth at a professional cleaning is known as pumice.  Truth be known, pumice, at its core, is made from volcanic ash-purified of course.  Across the years we have learned, through research, that the finer grit the paste, the less tooth structure is being removed during in-office cleanings.  My preference, as a hygienist, is to always use fine grit paste.   At times I do need to spot polish with a medium or coarse grit variety in those areas of heavy stain, but seldom is this needed in my experience.

The most recent advancement in the science of polishing is to use a product that actually assists in the remineralization of the tooth and doesn't simply clean the deposits off of the tooth.  These polishes contain Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) which stimulates remineralizatin of the tooth enamel and also prevents the loss of enamel.  It delivers 31% more fluoride  to strengthen tooth structure.  It contains a unique blend of cleaning and polishing agents that creates  increased luster.  And who wouldn't want more luster in their smile?

Since I began using this polish on patients about 5 years ago, I have also noticed that patients don't have such a gritty texture in their mouths following their cleanings.  A plus any way you approach it!!!  Be sure to ask for ACP paste, which at this time (2009) can only be found in the Arm and Hammer product called Enamel Pro which is put out by Premier Dental Company.