Regular Dental Cleaning Vs. Deep Cleanings

Cleaning your teeth is a crucial part of daily oral hygiene, but as you might know, your at-home routine isn’t enough. Dentists recommend getting professional dental cleanings once every six months or so to reduce the risk of oral health issues. 

But if you’ve been reading up on them, you might have come across the term deep cleaning. Are they the same thing? Which one’s better?

Well, the short answer is that no, they’re not the same thing. Check out this breakdown to learn the differences between regular dental cleanings and deep cleanings.

What Are Regular Dental Cleanings, and What Are They For? 

Regular dental cleanings are a staple of preventative dentistry. They are used to remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, including the back of the mouth and other hard-to-reach areas. 

Plaque is a film of bacteria that deposits on the surface of the teeth. Over time (and if not removed through regular brushing), it hardens into tartar, which can then lead to other oral health complications like gum disease. 

Regular cleanings are the only way to remove tartar, as the dentist will use special tools and products to break it down. 

What Are Deep Cleanings, and What Are They For? 

Deep cleaning is part of periodontal care and is used to treat patients experiencing gum disease. The procedure removes tartar buildup both above and underneath the gum line. 

When tartar buildup is severe, regular cleanings aren’t enough to remove it. Deep cleanings involve going underneath the gums and removing all the buildup, going as far down or up as the tooth’s root. 

Moreover, this procedure could take some time, and many patients with severe tartar buildup will need several visits. This is rarely the case with regular dental cleanings, which often remove all tartar and plaque in just one appointment. 

How to Know Which Type of Cleaning You Need

You might need a deep cleaning if you experience:

• Red, swollen, and tender gums
• Bleeding, especially after you floss
• Longer-looking teeth, which is a sign of gum recession.
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath, even right after brushing your teeth, etc. 

These may be signs of gum disease, a serious infection that can lead to permanent tooth loss if not treated right away.

But the best way to know for sure if you need a deep cleaning or a regular one is to see a dentist and let them take a look. 

Schedule a Visit to Indigo Dental Today 

If you’re noticing signs of gum disease and might need deep cleaning, don’t wait. The sooner you see our Mauldin dentists for an appointment, the faster you can restore your oral health. 

Request a visit to Indigo Dental online and stop by to access quality and compassionate oral health services. 

Have more questions? Call us at (864) 565-8684 today!