46% of adults have some type of gum disease. Regular dental cleanings may prevent gum disease, but tartar build-up needs removing.
Deep cleaning teeth can reduce the amount of tartar on your teeth. But what is a deep tooth cleaning, and when is it necessary? Why is it not enough to brush your own teeth?
Read on to learn more about why you should get a deep teeth cleaning and the benefits you can reap.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums. Your gums become inflamed, often bleed when brushing, and depending on the severity of the disease, you can suffer bone and tooth loss. In periodontal disease, your gums begin to pull away from the surface of your tooth, creating pockets for bacteria to breed.
The main cause of the periodontal disease is a lack of good oral hygiene. Habits like brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, and getting regular dental check-ups all combat gum disease. In fact, seeing your dentist twice annually for check-ups and cleanings not only helps prevent gum disease but may help catch it in the early stages.
What Is Deep Cleaning?
Your dental health depends on regular cleanings twice a year from your dentist. When you come in for your check-ups, the dentist gives your teeth a deeper clean than you can get with your toothbrush.
However, deep cleaning is a different type of treatment. Deep cleaning teeth is sometimes referred to as scaling and root planning. During this cleaning, the dentist removes tartar build-up and bacteria from beneath the gum line and smooths out your teeth to encourage the gums to attach.
Unlike routine cleaning, scaling and root planning clean deep underneath your gums to rid your teeth of tartar, which could encourage gum disease.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning Teeth
Even if you’re not at risk for periodontal disease, many people can benefit from scaling and root planning. Here are some benefits to consider.
1. Removes Harmful Build-Up
When you leave food particles on your teeth, plaque lingers on your teeth and eventually turns into tartar, which is harder to remove. This tartar contains bacteria that can be harmful to your dental health and the rest of your body. Brushing alone cannot remove tartar.
Removing the tartar promotes healing for your teeth and can save you from other harmful diseases like heart disease. Only your dentist can remove tartar effectively.
2. May Stop Periodontal Disease
Because tartar build-up encourages periodontal disease, removing it may be the key to stopping periodontal disease. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more likely you are to develop gum disease. The scaling portion of the deep cleaning process eliminates the tartar.
3. Encourage Gum Attatchement
As plaque and tartar sit on your teeth, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth. This creates pockets for more bacteria to enter your bloodstream. When you have scaling and root planning, the dentist smooths out your teeth so your gums reattach, preventing bacteria from entering your body.
4. Reduce Bad Breath
Bad breath may happen because of the foods you eat, but it’s also due to the presence of plaque. Bacteria cause odor, so removing all the plaque and tartar on your teeth may eliminate your bad breath.
5. Improve Apperance
Plaque causes tooth discoloration, especially along the gumline. It can be noticeable. If you want the appearance of white teeth, consider getting a scaling and rooting to improve the look of your teeth.
The Deep Cleaning Process
The deep teeth cleaning process may take one visit, or up to two, depending on the severity of your case. A typical scaling and rooting may take up to two hours in the dentist’s office. Here’s what you can expect from your dentist during scaling and root planning.
Administering anesthesia during the process is highly recommended because the cleaning may cause some discomfort. Your dentist can discuss the options with you and decide which anesthetic method works best.
Once they’ve numbed your gums, the dentist begins the first portion of the treatment, which is the scaling. They use scaling dental tools to scrape the tartar off your teeth.
After the scaling portion, your dentist begins the root planning. They smooth your tooth and roots so your gums can attach to your teeth. If they cannot finish the entirety of the scaling and root planning in the allotted time, you’ll return for another visit.
When the entire process is complete, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to discourage infections and have you rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouth rinse.
Caring For Your Teeth After a Deep Clean
While a deep cleaning removes harmful tartar and allows your teeth to heal, it may be a while before your teeth feel normal. You might experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure. Your dentist might encourage you to brush your teeth with toothpaste for sensitive teeth and eat soft foods until you feel better.
Your dentist may want to you schedule a follow-up appointment in a few weeks or months to make sure that you’re healing. They’ll also check to see if your gums are attaching to your teeth as well.
It’s vital that you continue to brush your teeth and floss. While the dentist removes plaque and tartar, it’s your responsibility to ensure you continue a healthy oral routine. Doing so keeps periodontal disease at bay so you don’t need another scaling and root planning.
The pain and discomfort from the procedure should only last a few days. If you notice excessive bleeding or pain that doesn’t seem to diminish, contact your dentist.
Deep Cleaning Teeth
Deep cleaning teeth may prevent serious dental problems and health problems. By scaling and root planning, you can restore your teeth and enjoy them for years to come.
Are you due for a deep cleaning with your dentist? Contact us today to schedule your deep cleaning appointment.
