Consider putting your tongue across your teeth to feel that smooth clean enamel; no rough patch or sticky film—just fresh. That’s the magic of deep cleaning! Daily brushing and flossing are a must, but they may not remove stubborn plaque and tartar that lie under the gum line. Eventually, this buildup will culminate in gum disease, bad breath, and loss of a tooth.
Deep cleaning is the term for scaling and root planing. It is a procedure that is different from and much more thorough than a regular cleaning, intended to restore oral health. It’s a miracle cure for anyone experiencing inflammation due to gum disease or excessive plaque buildup. But how does it really work?
Understanding About Plaque and Tartar
Before we go into deep cleaning, it becomes imperative to understand the enemy: plaque and tartar.
- Plaque: A sticky, colorless film affixed upon your teeth, formed by the ever-present bacteria. The presence of food particles forms the right conditions for cavities and gum disease.
- Tartar (Calculus): If plaque is not removed timely, it becomes tartar, yellowish, and stubborn deposits that cling to teeth and gums. Unlike plaque, tartar can never be removed with brushing and requires professional removal.
What Is Deep Cleaning? More Than Just a Regular Cleaning
A regular dental cleaning concentrates on the removal of surface plaque and tartar, whereas deep cleaning addresses bacteria a little more below the gum line
It’s a two-step technique:
- Scaling: Removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line.
- Root Planing: Smooth the roots of the teeth so that bacteria cannot reattach.
Deep cleaning is particularly indicated for the early stages of gum disease so that the inflammatory process does not advance further. It can cause gum recession and tooth loss.
Deep Cleaning Procedure: What to Expect
Feeling anxious about the deep cleaning? Don’t be. It is simple and very effective. Here is how it works step by step:
- Dental Examination: The dentist evaluates the status of your gums with specialized tools and optional X-rays.
- Scaling: Using an ultrasonic scaler or hand instruments, the dentist carefully removes hardened tartar from the teeth and roots.
- Root Planing: The rough surfaces of your tooth roots are smoothed out, making it harder for bacteria to cling.
- Anesthesia (if necessary): A local anesthetic may be used to ensure comfort depending on individual sensitivity levels.
- Healing and Aftercare: Some mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal, but this will fade as your gums heal and the inflammation subsides.
If you are considering professional dental exams and cleanings in Boynton Beach, you will surely find passionate experts ready to assist you in reclaiming a healthy smile.
Why Deep Cleaning Changes Everything for Your Oral Health?
Keeping the teeth and gums clean is just one of the many benefits of deep cleaning. Here are other good reasons why deep cleaning should never be skipped:
- It stops gingivitis before it becomes periodontitis.
- Say goodbye to nagging halitosis stemming from bacteria.
- It reduces gum swelling so gums can reattach back to the teeth.
- It prevents bone loss, which can lead to loosening or missing teeth over time.
- The condition of your gums is connected to the well-being of your entire body, such as heart health and diabetes, so well-groomed gums contribute to the general health of the entire body.
Deep cleaning is more than just polishing your teeth and gums; it revitalizes your mouth and facilitates the fight against plaque and tartar, restores gum health, and sets you on the path for that brighter smile. Whether for bleeding gums, settled bad breath, or simply, prevention, deep cleaning is probably your best bet.
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment and get better oral health.