Deep Teeth Cleaning: Achieving Optimal Oral Hygiene
We all know that oral hygiene is important, not just for a pretty smile but for our overall health as well. You’re doing all the right things at home—brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash—but you’re just not seeing the results you want.
If your routine is not getting your teeth and gums as clean as you’d like, consider professional deep teeth cleaning from your Hingham dentist.
This comprehensive guide will explore the ins and outs of deep teeth cleaning, its benefits, and why it is crucial for your dental hygiene routine.
Take your oral care to the next level by understanding the process and learning common myths in this blog post.
Deep teeth cleaning: What is it?
Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. The process allows your dentist to reach all the places even flossing can’t access.
Unlike regular teeth cleaning, deep teeth cleaning involves reaching below the gumline to eliminate harmful substances that lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Why is deep teeth cleaning necessary?
Deep teeth cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. Here are a few reasons why it is necessary:
Prevention of gum disease: Gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can be prevented and managed through deep teeth cleaning.
By eliminating plaque and tartar buildup, you reduce the risk of gum inflammation, bleeding, and receding gums.
Halting tooth decay: Deep teeth cleaning helps remove bacteria and plaque contributing to tooth decay. It is an effective preventive measure to maintain healthy teeth and prevent cavities.
Fresh breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, can often result from poor oral hygiene. Deep teeth cleaning eliminates the bacteria causing the foul odor, leaving you with fresher breath.
Enhanced aesthetics: Deep teeth cleaning can brighten your smile by removing surface stains and discoloration caused by food, beverages, and tobacco.
The deep teeth cleaning process
Now that we understand the importance of deep teeth cleaning, let’s take a closer look at the process involved.
Assessment and evaluation: Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to assess the extent of plaque and tartar buildup. X-rays may also be taken to evaluate the condition of your teeth beneath the gumline.
Numbing the area: A local anesthetic may be administered to numb the treated area to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Scaling: Using specialized dental instruments, your dentist or dental hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gumline. This process may involve both manual scaling and ultrasonic scaling.
Root planing: Once the scaling is complete, the root surfaces of your teeth will be smoothed out to remove any rough areas that may attract bacteria and impede gum reattachment.
Irrigation: Your dentist may use an antimicrobial solution to irrigate and disinfect the treated area, reducing the risk of infection.
Follow-up and maintenance: After deep teeth cleaning, your dentist will provide instructions on post-treatment care and recommend a maintenance plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Debunking common myths about deep teeth cleaning
There are several myths surrounding deep teeth cleaning that can cause unnecessary worry or confusion. Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions:
Myth: Deep teeth cleaning is only for people with gum disease
Truth: While deep teeth cleaning is crucial for individuals with gum disease, it can also benefit those with a history of periodontal issues, excessive plaque buildup, or a desire to maintain optimal oral health.
Myth: Deep teeth cleaning is painful and uncomfortable
Truth: Deep teeth cleaning may involve discomfort, but local anesthesia is typically used to minimize pain. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and discomfort usually subsides within a few days.
Myth: Deep teeth cleaning causes teeth to become loose.
Truth: When performed by a skilled dental professional, it does not cause teeth to become loose. On the contrary, it helps improve gum health and prevent tooth loss caused by gum disease.
Myth: Regular brushing and flossing eliminate the need for deep teeth cleaning
Truth: Regular brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, but they may not effectively remove all plaque and tartar.
Deep teeth cleaning reaches areas that are difficult to clean at home, ensuring a comprehensive cleaning.
Conclusion
Deep teeth cleaning is a vital component of maintaining optimal oral health.
By removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline, this procedure helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Debunking common myths associated with deep teeth cleaning, we can confidently say that it is a safe and effective way to enhance your dental hygiene routine.
Ready for a fresh start? Take the first step toward optimal oral hygiene by scheduling your deep teeth cleaning session today. Your smile deserves it!
Or:
- Call us at: (781) 749-6050
- Email us at: contactus@southshoreprosthodontics.com
Our dental office is located in Hingham and serves the surrounding communities of Hanover, Weymouth, Scituate, Cohasset, Hull, Rockland, Braintree, Brockton, Pembroke, Boston, Quincy, and Milton.