Dental cleaning is a simple and usually painless procedure performed by a dental hygienist. Maintaining proper dental hygiene can help to prevent gum diseases and bad breath issues. To keep oral health in good condition, it is vital to regularly brush and floss the teeth and visit a dentist at least twice a year for routine dental cleanings. Looking at the condition of your teeth, your dentist may suggest various dental care treatments. One such treatment is deep dental cleaning. Various signs that suggest deep cleaning include:
- Receding gums
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
About Deep Cleaning
If you are wondering what deep cleaning is all about, then here is the answer. Deep cleaning is the process of removing the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth that contain bacteria. Though it can be removed with the help of regular brushing, it is not possible to remove plaque completely with brushing. When the leftover plaque becomes hard, it turns into tartar. This excess buildup of plaque or tartar can be the key reason for gum diseases. A deep cleaning process can help to remove the accumulation of plaque or tartar, thereby helps to:
- Prevent gum inflammation
- Improve the overall gum health
- Reduces the chances of gum disease
- Fight against bad breath
- Protect roots of teeth
- Prevent tooth loss
Dental Cleaning Methods
Nowadays, several dental cleaning options are available in the market. Though all these methods aim at delivering cleaner teeth, each option is performed differently. Below mentioned are some of the most popular and widely performed dental cleaning options:
Prophylaxis cleaning: A prophylaxis cleaning, also known as routine cleaning, is the best suitable option for patients with healthy teeth and gums who just require routine dental maintenance to ensure good oral health. A dental hygienist performs the procedure, who removes all the accumulated plaque from the teeth, including the hardened plaque (calculus). The process also involves removing any stains visible on the surface of the teeth. It is advisable to get prophylaxis cleaning done once every six months to eliminate the chances of plaque buildup on the teeth’ surface or to remove the already existing hardened plaque from the teeth’s surface.
Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning method that is recommended for patients with higher chances of developing gum diseases or for patients who are already facing the problem of gum disease like swollen gums, bleeding gums, or loose teeth. The procedure helps clean off the hardened plaque, also known as calculus, from the surface of teeth. An excess buildup of plaque over time can make it hard and turn it into tartar, which can cause gum disease and various other severe oral health issues. If this situation occurs, the patients are usually advised to go for a scaling and root planing.
Gross debridement: Another popular dental cleaning procedure, gross debridement, is generally performed by a dentist to determine any teeth or gum issues. This option is appropriate for patients who have not visited the dentist for a long time or those who have developed an accumulation of hardened plaque on the surface of teeth. Once the debridement process is completed, patients can return to their regular teeth cleaning methods again.
Periodontal maintenance: Periodontal maintenance is another effective teeth cleaning method performed to prevent the progression of periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss. When the bacteria from plaque settle on the gingival (gum) tissue, either above or below the gum line, it leads to periodontal disease and gingivitis. This can further cause severe inflammation and irritation. It also affects the gum and bone tissues, making deeper pockets between the gums and teeth, which invites more bacteria that may travel through the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body as well. Periodontal maintenance is recommended to treat the gum pockets, reduce bacteria buildup, and make the mouth healthy again. Based on the preliminary checkup and existing symptoms, a dentist will usually recommend periodontal cleaning.
Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning method that is recommended for patients with higher chances of developing gum diseases or for patients who are already facing the problem of gum disease like swollen gums, bleeding gums, or loose teeth. The procedure helps clean off the hardened plaque, also known as calculus, from the surface of teeth. An excess buildup of plaque over time can make it hard and turn it into tartar, which can cause gum disease and various other severe oral health issues. If this situation occurs, the patients are usually advised to go for a scaling and root planing.
Gross debridement: Another popular dental cleaning procedure, gross debridement, is generally performed by a dentist to determine any teeth or gum issues. This option is appropriate for patients who have not visited the dentist for a long time or those who have developed an accumulation of hardened plaque on the surface of teeth. Once the debridement process is completed, patients can return to their regular teeth cleaning methods again.
Periodontal maintenance: Periodontal maintenance is another effective teeth cleaning method performed to prevent the progression of periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss. When the bacteria from plaque settle on the gingival (gum) tissue, either above or below the gum line, it leads to periodontal disease and gingivitis. This can further cause severe inflammation and irritation. It also affects the gum and bone tissues, making deeper pockets between the gums and teeth, which invites more bacteria that may travel through the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body as well. Periodontal maintenance is recommended to treat the gum pockets, reduce bacteria buildup, and make the mouth healthy again. Based on the preliminary checkup and existing symptoms, a dentist will usually recommend periodontal cleaning.
Before going for any of the above dental cleaning options, it is important to discuss with your dentist which method would be the best for your dental health.
Conclusion:
To maintain oral health and a healthy smile, it is important to practice regular oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. However, if your dentist suggests, dental cleanings can help eliminate the chances of severe dental and gums issues. The cleaning, as mentioned above, options are the best dental treatments that can help you enjoy good oral health for a long time.