One of the best ways to keepOne of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to go to the dentist for regular cleanings. A lot of patients don’t know what the difference is between a deep cleaning and a regular dental cleaning.
The American Dental Association (ADA) says that professional cleanings are needed to get rid of plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home can’t get rid of. It’s essential to know the differences between these two types of cleanings and when each one is needed if you’re thinking about getting a dental cleaning in Lowell.
Key takeaways
- Cleaning your teeth on a regular basis is a good way to keep your mouth healthy.
- Deep cleaning gets rid of gum disease by cleaning below the gum line.
- A professional dentist in Lowell does both cleanings.
- Your dentist will tell you what kind of cleaning you need based on the health of your gums.
What does a normal dental cleaning look like?
Most people get a regular cleaning, also known as a hygiene teeth cleaning, every six months. It is a dental procedure that focuses on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Your dentist or hygienist will do the following during a regular cleaning:
- Take plaque and tartar off the surface of your teeth.
- To make your teeth smooth and shiny, polish them.
- Floss between your teeth to get rid of any food or other things that are stuck there.
- For a clean and fresh finish, rinse your mouth.
- Give you advice on how to brush and floss at home.
This kind of cleaning is easy, doesn’t hurt, and keeps cavities and gum disease from forming.
What Happens When You Deep Clean?
A deep cleaning is different because it is used to get rid of gum disease. Your dentist may suggest this treatment if your gums are swollen, bleeding, or pulling away from your teeth. There are two main steps to a deep cleaning:
Scaling: This step gets rid of plaque and tartar from places below the gum line that regular tools can’t reach.
Root Planing: This step makes the roots of the teeth smooth, which helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
Local anaesthesia: It is often used to make the procedure more comfortable because a deep cleaning goes below the gums.
The dentist may need to clean your teeth over two or more visits, depending on how bad the gum disease is.
What is the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning?
Here are the main differences between the two procedures:
Purpose: A regular cleaning is preventive, while a deep cleaning is used to treat gum disease.
Treatment Area: A regular cleaning works on the surfaces of your teeth, while a deep cleaning goes under the gums.
Frequency: Regular cleanings are done every six months. Deep cleanings are only needed if gum disease is present.
Comfort: A regular cleaning is quick and painless. A deep cleaning may require numbing medication for comfort.
Both cleanings are essential, but the type you need will depend on your oral health.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Not getting professional cleanings can cause big problems with your teeth and gums. Here are some of the most common risks:
Plaque buildup: Even if you brush your teeth every day, plaque hardens into tartar that only a dentist can remove.
Gum disease: If you don’t take care of your gums, they can get inflamed and infected.
Tooth Decay: Cavities and tooth loss can happen when plaque and tartar build up on teeth.
Bad Breath: A lot of bacteria can build up and cause bad breath that won’t go away.
Expensive Treatments: Putting off cleanings could mean having to pay for more expensive procedures later.
Cleaning your teeth regularly is much easier, faster, and cheaper than getting a deep cleaning to treat gum disease.
Aftercare Tips for Deep Cleaning
If you undergo a deep cleaning, proper aftercare is critical. Here are some helpful tips:
- Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: Always take any prescribed medications and use antibacterial rinses if recommended.
- Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods: Stick to soft foods for the first few days to reduce irritation.
- Brush and Floss Gently: Be gentle while brushing and flossing to avoid discomfort.
- Manage Sensitivity: Your teeth and gums may feel sensitive for a few days. Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth if needed.
- Keep Up with Follow-Up Visits: Your dentist may want to check your gums after a few weeks to ensure proper healing.
How to Avoid Needing Deep Cleaning
The good news is that you can often avoid gum disease by doing simple things. To lower your chances of needing a deep cleaning:
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day to get rid of plaque.
- If your doctor says to, use an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks and eat a balanced diet.
- Get regular checkups and cleanings at your Massachusetts dental office.
Along with regular visits to the dentist, these steps will help you keep your smile healthy.
Why You Should Pick a Professional Dentist in Lowell
Going to an experienced dentist ensures you get the right kind of cleaning for your needs. A dental clinic in Massachusetts that you can trust will offer:
- A complete checkup to look for gum disease and other dental issues.
- More advanced tools to make cleaning easier and more effective.
- Personalized tips to help you keep your teeth healthy at home.
- Finding oral health problems early on, before they get worse.
You can keep your smile healthy and avoid big dental problems in the future by going to a dentist in Lowell.
Lowell Dental Cleaning: Keep Your Smile Healthy
Choosing the right dental team is very important, whether you need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning. At Dental Quest Lowell, our skilled dentists offer gentle and effective cleaning services to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Make an appointment with us today if you need a reliable dental clinic in Massachusetts. Our staff will help you keep your smile healthy.
Make an appointment with Dental Quest Lowell.
Questions and Answers About Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
1. How can I tell if I need a deep cleaning instead of a regular one?
Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if your gums bleed a lot, hurt, or are pulling away from your teeth.
2. Does a deep clean hurt?
Most of the time, the dentist will numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel much pain during the treatment.
3. How often should I have a regular cleaning?
Most people should go to the dentist every six months for a cleaning, but your dentist may suggest more often visits if they think it’s necessary.
4. Does insurance pay for a deep cleaning?
If you have gum disease, many dental insurance plans will pay for a deep cleaning if it is medically necessary.