Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining a healthy smile, but sometimes brushing and flossing alone are not enough to keep your teeth and gums free from harmful bacteria. One of the most effective ways to protect your oral health is through professional deep teeth cleaning. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of deep cleaning, how it differs from regular cleaning, and the numerous benefits it can offer for your teeth and gums.
The Effects of Ignoring Plaque and Tartar Buildup
When you brush your teeth, you remove much of the plaque that builds up throughout the day. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is a much more stubborn substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional intervention to eliminate.
Ignoring plaque and tartar buildup can lead to a number of oral health problems. As tartar builds up on the teeth, it can irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed. This can lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, such as periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss. Additionally, tartar provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to cavities, bad breath, and even systemic health problems if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Understanding Deep Teeth Cleaning
A deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a professional dental procedure designed to remove tartar and plaque from below the gumline. While regular teeth cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline, a deep cleaning goes deeper to clean areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. This process helps to eliminate bacteria that cause gum disease and prevents further damage to the gums and bone structure.
Unlike regular teeth cleaning, which is typically performed every six months, deep cleaning is generally reserved for patients with gum disease or significant plaque and tartar buildup. It is an essential part of preventing the progression of gum disease and protecting your long-term oral health.
Benefits of Deep Teeth Cleaning for Oral Health
The benefits of deep teeth cleaning extend beyond just a cleaner mouth. By thoroughly removing tartar and plaque, deep cleaning helps to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Regular deep cleanings can also prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures, such as gum surgery or tooth extractions, down the road.
One of the primary benefits of deep cleaning is its ability to stop the progression of gum disease. As the procedure removes harmful bacteria from beneath the gumline, it helps to reduce inflammation, eliminate bleeding gums, and promote healthy tissue growth.
This can lead to improved gum health and a lower risk of tooth loss.
Furthermore, by addressing plaque and tartar buildup at its root, deep cleaning can enhance the overall appearance of your smile. The removal of tartar can improve the esthetics of your teeth, giving them a cleaner, brighter appearance.
Ideal Candidates for Professional Deep Teeth Cleaning
Not everyone needs a deep teeth cleaning, but there are certain signs that suggest you may benefit from this procedure. If you notice that your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, or if your gums are swollen or tender, it could be a sign of gingivitis, which often requires deep cleaning. Additionally, if you have noticed that your gums are receding or you have pockets between your teeth and gums, you may have periodontal disease, which also requires deep cleaning.
Patients who have not had a professional cleaning in more than a year or those who smoke, have diabetes, or are prone to gum disease are more likely to need a deep cleaning. Even if you don’t have noticeable signs of gum disease, your dentist in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, may recommend a deep cleaning as a preventive measure if your dental X-rays show significant tartar buildup below the gumline.
The Deep Teeth Cleaning Process: What to Expect
If your dentist recommends a deep teeth cleaning, you might be wondering what the process involves. Here’s what you can expect during a professional deep cleaning appointment:
1. Initial Evaluation: Before beginning the procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess the extent of tartar buildup and any signs of gum disease. Your dentist may also take X-rays to evaluate the health of your jawbone.
2. Scaling: The first step of the deep cleaning process is scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized instruments to clean the teeth and remove the hardened deposits. In some cases, ultrasonic tools may be used to break up tartar for easier removal.
3. Root Planing: After scaling, the dentist will perform root planing, which smooths the surface of the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. This step helps to prevent further buildup of plaque and bacteria.
4. Local Anesthesia: Deep cleaning can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if you have sensitive gums or advanced gum disease. To ensure your comfort, your dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area before beginning the procedure. For more extensive cases, sedation options may be available.
5. Post-Cleaning Care: After the procedure, your dentist will provide you with instructions for aftercare, which may include using an antimicrobial mouthwash, taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary, and avoiding certain foods for a period of time. Some patients experience mild discomfort, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Follow-Up Care and Cleanings
While a deep teeth cleaning can significantly improve your oral health, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene at home and attend regular follow-up appointments. After the procedure, your dentist may recommend additional cleanings every three to four months to monitor your gum health and ensure that plaque and tartar do not build up again.
It’s also important to continue practicing daily brushing and flossing at home. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine helps to keep plaque and bacteria at bay, preventing the recurrence of gum disease. Regular dental checkups will also allow your dentist to monitor your progress and catch any potential issues early.
A Deep Teeth Cleaning Can Transform Your Oral Health
A professional deep teeth cleaning can be a transformative procedure for your oral health. By addressing plaque and tartar buildup, it helps to prevent the progression of gum disease, improves your overall oral hygiene, and enhances the esthetics of your smile. For patients in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, a deep cleaning can be a proactive step toward maintaining healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have not had a professional cleaning in over six months, consider scheduling a deep teeth cleaning at Landmark Dental today. Our experienced dental team is here to help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile.
Remember, regular cleanings and good oral hygiene habits are key to long-term oral health. Contact our office in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile!