Everyone knows they need to see the dentist for regular teeth cleaning, but they may not realize their need for deep cleanings. Routine cleanings help to keep gum disease and cavities at bay. Knowing the differences between the two types of cleanings will help individuals know how to take care of their smiles so they can avoid oral health concerns.
Why Is Teeth Cleaning Important?
When getting your teeth cleaned, certain steps are taken to remove plaque and tartar that can wreak havoc on a person’s smile. Using special tools, the dental hygienist scrapes the teeth to remove the acidic substances that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. These cleanings should be carried out at least twice a year. If a person begins to develop the signs of gum disease, they may need to have their teeth cleaned more frequently.
What Is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is much more involved than typical teeth cleaning sessions. This dental treatment involves cleaning the teeth under the gums, between the gums, and to the tooth roots. This type of cleaning is often referred to as scaling and planing. It is used to combat issues with gum disease.
Deep scaling is carried out under the gumline to scrape the tooth roots and remove stubborn tartar that has built up and is leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Using a dental scaler, which is an ultrasonic tool, the dentist can remove thick tartar on the roots and ensure the mouth is cleaned thoroughly.
How Do Deep Cleanings and Regular Cleanings Compare?
Comparing the two dental cleaning procedures is important for helping individuals better understand what to expect from each treatment and to know which one they should seek from their dentist. As mentioned above, regular teeth cleaning procedures are not as involved as deep cleaning treatments.
Regular dental cleanings are done when a patient has an overall healthy mouth. They work only on the visible surface area of the front, back, and chewing services of the teeth.
A deep cleaning focuses on the areas of the teeth that cannot be seen. These areas lie below the gumline. This treatment is used when tartar buildup becomes severe and is affecting the health of the gum tissue.
Signs a Deep Teeth Cleaning Is Necessary
It is important individuals are aware of the symptoms they may experience when deep teeth cleaning is necessary. The following are some of the most common signs of gum disease and should never be ignored.
· The gums frequently bleed
· The gum tissue is red and swollen
· The gums are painful
· The teeth are loosening
· There is pus drainage around the gums and teeth
· Their breath is foul
Should a person notice any of the above, they need to see their dentist immediately for treatment. One of the forms of treatment for gum disease is deep teeth cleaning. These treatments remove the source of the problem, but healing will still need to take place in the gum tissue.
After a thorough examination, the dentist or hygienist may recommend deep cleaning treatments. These treatments are integral for fighting gum disease and helping to prevent tooth loss, which can occur with severe gum disease.
See the Dentist Today
Those who suspect they may have a gum disease problem need to seek treatment from their dentist right away. When problems begin to arise, prompt treatment is essential.
