Which of the following materials is commonly used for polishing pastes?

Pumice is widely used as a material in polishing pastes due to its abrasive properties and ability to effectively remove surface stains and debris from teeth. Pumice is a volcanic glass that is both lightweight and porous, making it an ideal agent for mechanical polishing in dental hygiene practices. Its texture allows for a gentle yet effective polishing action, which helps to achieve a smooth and shiny surface on the enamel without causing significant damage.

While silica is another abrasive that can be used in polishing pastes, pumice remains the more traditional and commonly recognized choice in dental procedures, particularly for coronal polishing, because of its historical use and favorable clinical outcomes. Calcium phosphate and activated charcoal are not traditionally used as the primary polishing agents. Calcium phosphate is primarily associated with remineralization and strengthening enamel rather than polishing, while activated charcoal is more known for its adsorption capabilities and is not used for tooth polishing in dental practice.