Your dentist can supercharge your dental cleaning.

Just like brushing and flossing at home, scheduling visits for professional teeth cleaning is essential to maintaining your oral health. The service will help keep your teeth sparkling and (more importantly) act as a vital step toward cavity prevention. 

If it has been a while since your last cleaning, though, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning over a regular one. Both services remove debris from your teeth, but many patients have questions regarding the difference between the two. 

What is a regular teeth cleaning?

Regular teeth cleanings are a key part of preventive dental care and an important element of routine checkups. During regular teeth cleanings at a dentist on Minnesota Ave, your dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from above the gumline. The process is essential for preventing gum disease and managing early signs of gingivitis. 

While brushing and flossing similarly remove bacteria and debris, regular dental cleanings take your oral care further. Dental professionals have the tools and skills to clean areas that are hard to reach on your own. They provide the extra care your smile needs, which is why it is recommended that most patients receive this service every six months.

What is a deep teeth cleaning?

A deep cleaning (sometimes referred to as scaling and root planing) is a treatment that becomes necessary when symptoms and clinical signs of gum disease are present. Your dentist in Sioux Falls may recommend this procedure if you have gum disease, deep pockets, or heavy tartar buildup. And, though the process is more thorough than a regular cleaning, the long-term benefits for oral health are worth it.

A deep cleaning involves cleaning beneath the gum line, including the roots, which are a common hiding spot for bacteria contributing to gum disease. These bacteria multiply and release toxins that irritate and damage the surrounding tissues. Your gums may also pull away from your teeth, creating small pockets where even more bacteria can hide. Over time, these infections can weaken the tooth’s root, potentially causing tooth decay and loss if left untreated.   

During a deep cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove these bacteria while also smoothing out the surfaces of your teeth’s roots, making it harder for bacteria to stick in the future.

How to Know Which One You Need

The only way to know which type of cleaning you’ll benefit from most is to schedule an evaluation. Both procedures are part of comprehensive preventive dental care, and your dental team will guide you on which cleaning fits your oral health needs.  

When Your Dentist Will Recommend Regular Cleanings

Regular teeth cleaning is ideal for patients who visit the dentist regularly and have a strong home oral care routine. For most people, scheduling these visits every six months is sufficient. You’ll be able to protect your oral health and enjoy a fresher smile year-round by staying consistent with regular cleanings and exams.

Regular teeth cleaning services focus on maintaining oral health by removing tartar and plaque, especially from areas your toothbrush may miss during your home oral care routine. The tartar has not invaded the gums and is easily removed with a dental scaler. When tartar buildup is too extensive, it requires more invasive treatment. 

When Your Dentist Will Recommend a Deep Cleaning

In its early stages, gum disease can be managed with regular cleanings and improved brushing and flossing habits. But once it advances beyond a certain point, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. Without treatment, you can progress into more serious forms of the disease and require specialized care.

As gum disease advances, plaque and tartar accumulate on your tooth roots. During a dental exam, your dentist may notice symptoms such as:

• Bleeding gums.
• Red, swollen gums.
• Bad breath.
• Pain or discomfort.
• Loose teeth.
• Pockets between teeth and gums.
• Pus around the gumline.

These symptoms indicate gum disease, making scaling and root planing a recommended step to remove the buildup and stop the progression of the disease.

After treatment, your dentist may suggest periodic deep cleanings over regular cleanings as a maintenance plan. These visits help prevent your condition from returning or advancing, allowing your teeth and gums to remain healthier in the long term.

The right cleaning delivers premier oral health results.

Your smile is unique and deserves personalized care. Not everyone needs a deep cleaning, of course, but no matter where your oral health lies, you’ll need an exam to determine which procedure should be a part of your dental care. Schedule a consultation with Sensational Smiles to schedule an appointment and determine which kind of teeth cleaning is the best for you!