What should Pumice be avoided on due to its abrasive nature?

Pumice is a natural abrasive material commonly used in dentistry for polishing procedures. However, due to its abrasive nature, it is generally avoided on enamel and root surfaces because it can cause significant wear and damage. Enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth, and while it is designed to withstand some abrasion, excessive use of abrasives like pumice can lead to thinning of the enamel, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of dental caries.

Root surfaces, which are covered by cementum, are softer than enamel and also more susceptible to abrasion. Using pumice on these areas can lead to loss of vital structure and increased root sensitivity. Therefore, it's crucial for dental professionals to select appropriate polishing agents that can clean teeth effectively without causing damage to these sensitive and vital surfaces.

While it may be possible to use pumice cautiously on certain restorative materials like composites, it is less ideal due to potential scratching or dulling of the surface. Gold restorations can resist some abrasion; however, even they should be polished with care. The focus on avoiding pumice on enamel and root surfaces emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the integrity of natural tooth structures during dental treatments.