Which piece of equipment is essential for polishing teeth?

Polishing teeth is an important part of dental hygiene, and using prophylaxis paste is essential for this procedure. Prophylaxis paste contains abrasives that help remove plaque, stains, and surface debris from the teeth, resulting in a smoother and shinier enamel. The use of prophylaxis paste is typically performed after professional teeth cleaning and involves using a dental handpiece or a polishing cup to apply the paste effectively.

The other items listed, while valuable in various dental procedures, do not serve the specific purpose of polishing teeth. A dental mirror is primarily used for visualization, a curette is utilized for scaling and removing debris from below the gumline, and an ultrasonic scaler is mainly meant for the removal of tartar and plaque using vibrations. Therefore, prophylaxis paste stands out as the key component for the polishing procedure.