What should be used to polish a tooth before etching for a bracket?

Pumice is the correct choice for polishing a tooth before etching for a bracket. Pumice is a naturally occurring volcanic ash that is often used in dentistry because of its abrasive quality, which allows it to effectively clean and polish tooth surfaces. This step is crucial as it removes surface debris, biofilm, and stains, creating a smooth and clean enamel surface that ensures optimal bonding of the orthodontic brackets.

Polishing the tooth with pumice also minimizes the risk of contamination from saliva or plaque, which could interfere with the etching process and subsequently affect the adhesive bond strength. By preparing the enamel appropriately with pumice, a better environment is created for the etching agent to work effectively, leading to a more successful bonding of the brackets.

Using prophy paste, fluoride gel, or neutral sodium bicarbonate would not yield as effective results. Prophy paste is typically used in routine cleanings and may leave behind a residue that could compromise the bonding process. Fluoride gel, while beneficial for cavity prevention, does not serve the purpose of cleaning the tooth for etching and can alter the enamel surface. Neutral sodium bicarbonate is primarily used for mild abrasive cleaning, often in a less effective manner compared to pumice for this specific pre-etch