Summary
Are you wondering which professional dental cleanings works best for you?
If so, you’re at the right place! It may surprise you to learn that nearly 42% of adults don’t visit their dentist frequently!
Your mouth harbors thousands of naturally occurring bacteria that thrive on the surface of your teeth and share your meals.
It’s disgusting, isn’t it?
The good news is that routine dental cleanings, flossing, and brushing can eliminate extra bacteria from your teeth.
In this article, we will learn about the following things:
- Role of Professional Dental Cleaning – Why You Need It?
- Regular Vs. Deep cleaning – Exploring the Differences
- Different types of dental cleaning
- Choosing the suitable dental cleaning for you
Continue reading as we learn more about different types of dental cleaning in the following sections.
Role of Professional Dental Cleaning – Why You Need It?
Maintaining the best possible oral health requires regular cleaning. It aids in the removal of tartar and plaque, reducing gum disease and tooth decay. If left untreated, plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria can cause gingivitis and cavities. Plaque that has hardened into tartar must be professionally cleaned to stop more dental problems.
Regular cleanings with Kelly’s family dentist professionals help maintain fresh breath by removing microorganisms that generate unpleasant odors. Furthermore, dental cleanings enable the early discovery of dental issues, allowing for timely intervention. Stain removal during dental wash restores teeth’s natural color, improving their appearance.
Dental cleaning is an essential preventive practice that protects oral health and promotes overall health.
Still confused about the concepts? Let’s learn more about these dental wash techniques in the following sections.
Regular Vs. Deep cleaning – Exploring the Differences
Regular and deep oral cleaning serves different functions in maintaining oral health. Generally, regular cleanings are performed every six months to remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and gumlines.
This preventive practice helps avoid tooth decay and gum disease while maintaining good oral hygiene. It is indicated for individuals with good oral health and is a preventative care measure.
Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planings, are a more intensive procedure typically suggested for those with early-stage gum disease. This treatment removes plaque and tartar buildup beyond visible tooth surfaces, smoothing tooth roots and aiding effective tooth cleaning.
Deep cleanings aim to delay the progression of periodontal disease by reducing inflammation and preventing further damage. Due to its more intensive nature, it may require local anesthesia.
Routine cleanings are a standard preventive measure for maintaining oral health. In contrast, deep cleanings are focused interventions for individuals experiencing signs of periodontal disease, offering a more thorough strategy for addressing specific dental issues.
Different Types of Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are tailored to individual oral health needs and situations, ensuring comprehensive care. The primary dental cleaning types include:
Prophylaxis Cleaning
- Purpose: A routine preventative cleaning for those with good oral hygiene. It removes plaque and tartar every six months to promote oral health.
- Procedure: Hygienists use instruments to remove buildups and calculus, then polish to eliminate stains and create smooth surfaces.
Scaling and Root Planing
- Purpose: This deeper cleaning of teeth is recommended for early gum diseases like gingivitis or mild periodontitis. It removes plaque and tartar below gumlines to prevent progression.
- Procedure: Scaling removes deposits above and below gumlines while root planing smoothes roots to facilitate healing and bacterial prevention. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort.
Periodontal Maintenance
- Purpose: Individuals with a history of gum disease require ongoing cleanings to maintain oral health after initial treatment.
- Procedure: Comprehensive inspections and clean teeth every three to four months to prevent recurrence.
Fluoride Treatment
- Purpose: Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents decay, especially for cavities-prone patients.
- Procedure: A concentrated fluoride solution promotes remineralization and enamel resistance to acids.
Air Polishing
- Purpose: This gentler method removes surface stains, plaque, and biofilm.
- Procedure: Teeth are cleaned using high-pressure air, water, and small powder particles suitable for sensitivity.
Choosing the Suitable Dental Cleaning for You
When selecting a tooth cleaning, factors include oral health status, disease history, decay risk, comfort needs, cosmetic concerns, insurance coverage, and dentist recommendations. Regular cleanings are vital for oral and overall health maintenance.
Selecting a suitable method for dental cleaning of teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing unique dental needs. When determining the appropriate cleaning, consider the following factors:
Current Oral Health Status:
Evaluate your present oral health status. If good oral hygiene is maintained and little plaque and tartar accumulation exist, a standard cleaning every six months may be adequate. If gingivitis symptoms or persistent halitosis are present, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary, such as scaling and root planing.
History of Periodontal Disease:
Those with a history of periodontal disease may benefit from regular periodontal maintenance cleanings. These specialized cleanings aim to sustain gum health and prevent disease recurrence. Discuss with your dentist how frequently you should clean teeth or undergo periodontal maintenance cleanings (if previously treated for periodontal disease).
Risk Factors for Dental Caries:
Consider your risk for caries. If predisposed to cavities or at higher risk due to poor hygiene, nutrition, or medical issues, fluoride treatments may be prescribed to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
Preference for Comfort and Sensitivity:
If you are sensitive to typical cleaning methods or experience discomfort, explore gentler alternatives with your dentist. Air polishing, for example, is a less abrasive option for those with sensitivity or pain.
Aesthetic Concerns:
For concerns regarding surface stains or tooth appearance, consider cosmetic solutions. Air polishing and polishing with specific pastes can eliminate surface stains and brighten teeth.
Budget and Insurance Coverage:
When deciding, consider budget and insurance. Routine cleanings are usually covered, but deeper cleanings may incur out-of-pocket costs. Discuss options with your dentist, including discounts or payment plans.
Dentist Recommendations:
Your dentist is best suited to recommend the most suitable cleaning based on evaluating oral health issues and a customized treatment plan.
Consider these factors and consult your dentist to select the best dental cleaning for optimal oral hygiene and a bright, healthy smile. Remember, it’s essential to clean the teeth at regular intervals to prevent issues and support overall wellness.
Takeaway
- If you have a history of gum disease, you should get regular periodontal maintenance. Before arranging a dental cleaning, determine your current oral health status.
- Air polishing is a gentler stain removal method. Consider sensitivity, cosmetics, and money.
- Regular cleanings are vital for preventing tooth decay and improving overall health.
- Still, have questions about effective teeth whitening? Consider asking them to our sought-after professionals at Kelly Family Dentistry today!