Regular Dental Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning: Know the Difference?

Regular dental and deep cleaning are vital aspects of maintaining optimal oral health. Understanding the differences and significance of each can entrust individuals to make informed decisions about their dental care routine. Let’s delve into each type of cleaning thoroughly to clarify their distinctions and importance, with the guidance of your dentist on Bissonnet.

What is a Regular Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are essential appointments that dentists near you recommend every six months. These cleanings are crucial in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental issues. During a typical session, dental hygienists utilize specialized tools to eradicate plaque and tartar collection from your teeth and along the gumline.

Let’s take a closer look at what happens during a regular dental cleaning:

1. Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using a scaler, the dental hygienist meticulously removes plaque and tartar accumulation from the surfaces of the teeth. This process is essential for preventing the formation of cavities and maintaining gum health.
2. Polishing: Following plaque and tartar removal, the teeth undergo polishing with gritty toothpaste and a rotating brush. This procedure eradicates surface stains, leaving the teeth smooth and gleaming.
3. Fluoride Treatment: Some dental cleanings include a fluoride treatment, which strengthens teeth and shields them against decay.

Regular dental cleanings are indispensable for averting dental problems and preserving oral health. By eradicating plaque and tartar, these cleanings contribute to the overall cleanliness of the mouth, diminish the risk of tooth decay, and mitigate the likelihood of gum disease development.

What is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning, also termed scaling and root planing, is a more intensive dental procedure primarily recommended for individuals exhibiting signs of gum disease. This extensive cleaning targets areas below the gumline, where regular cleanings may not effectively reach.

Here’s what transpires during a deep cleaning session:

1. Scaling: The dental hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline meticulously. This crucial step eliminates harmful bacteria and toxins that contribute to gum disease.
2. Root Planing: Following scaling, the roots of the teeth are smoothed to eradicate rough spots where bacteria tend to accumulate. Smoothing the roots helps prevent bacterial reattachment and promotes gum tissue healing.
3. Antibacterial Rinse: In some instances, an antibacterial rinse may be administered to diminish the bacterial presence in the mouth further and stimulate gum tissue regeneration.

Deep cleanings are pivotal in treating gum disease and preventing its progression. By addressing plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, deep cleanings alleviate inflammation, reduce gum pocket depths, and facilitate gum tissue regeneration.

How is a Deep Cleaning Different From a Regular Dental Cleaning?

The disparity between regular dental and deep cleanings lies primarily in their depth and purpose. While regular cleanings mainly focus on surface cleaning, deep cleanings delve deeper to target areas below the gumline.

Here are some critical distinctions between the two:

1. Depth of Cleaning: Regular cleanings primarily address visible tooth surfaces, whereas deep cleanings delve below the gum line to eradicate plaque and tartar buildup.
2. Purpose: Regular cleanings serve a preventive function to maintain oral health and prevent dental issues. On the other hand, deep cleanings are therapeutic, specifically designed to address existing gum disease and halt its progression.
3. Procedure: The procedures involved in regular and deep cleanings differ in terms of the tools utilized, the depth of cleaning, and the appointment duration.

Although both types of cleanings are indispensable for oral health maintenance, deep cleanings are particularly recommended for individuals exhibiting signs of gum disease or those at risk of developing it.

Why is Deep Cleaning Important?

The significance of deep cleaning cannot be overstated for several reasons:

1. Treating Gum Disease: Deep cleaning is the primary way to tackle gum disease. It removes harmful bacteria and toxins hiding below your gum line, helping your gums heal.
2. Preventing Tooth Loss: When gum disease isn’t treated, it can lead to tooth loss. Deep cleaning helps stop this by reducing inflammation and keeping your teeth healthy.
3. Boosting Overall Health: Did you know gum disease can affect more than your mouth? It’s been linked to severe health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Deep cleaning can help keep your whole body healthier by treating gum disease and lowering your risk of these issues.

By getting deep cleanings when needed, you’re not just taking care of your teeth – you’re looking out for your whole body. So, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about deep cleaning if you’re concerned about your gum health.

Regular dental and deep cleanings are essential to a complete oral hygiene routine. While regular cleanings prevent problems, deep cleanings are crucial for treating gum disease and stopping its advancement. If you’re due for a cleaning or have oral health concerns, consider scheduling an appointment with a trusted dental professional, such as Mi Casa Dental, your dentist in the  77074 area. Taking some proactive steps to maintain oral health can prevent future dental issues and ensure a bright smile.