If you're bleeding, when you're, brushing or flossing or when we come in and they're just doing some probing and you're bleeding already. That is a sign of disease, so that is the step number one to determine if you need a deep cleaning.
Good dental hygiene involves a set of practices that help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental problems:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can't reach.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
- Try to limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
There are a few key advantages to getting a professional teeth cleaning over just cleaning your teeth at home:
- More thorough cleaning: Dental professionals have access to specialized tools and techniques that can help to remove plaque and tartar more effectively than what is possible with at-home cleaning methods. This means that a professional teeth cleaning can be more thorough and effective at preventing dental problems.
- Early detection of dental problems: During a professional teeth cleaning, your dental professional will examine your mouth and look for any signs of dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease. Early detection of these problems can help to prevent them from becoming more serious and more difficult to treat.
- Reduced risk of gum disease: Gum disease is a serious infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Professional teeth cleaning can help to prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
- Professional guidance: A dental professional can provide you with personalized guidance on how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home. They can demonstrate the most effective brushing techniques and recommend products that are best suited for your individual needs.
- Comfort: Professional teeth cleaning is generally more comfortable than cleaning your teeth at home. Dental professionals are trained to ensure your comfort during the procedure, and they have access to pain-management techniques that may not be available to you at home.
There are a few different types of professional teeth cleaning that may be performed by a dental professional, including:
Scaling & Root planing
Scaling is a procedure that involves the use of special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gumline. Scaling can be performed using manual instruments or ultrasonic instruments that generate vibrations to loosen and remove plaque and tartar.
Root planing is similar to scaling, but it is focused on the root surfaces of the teeth. It is often performed to treat gum disease and involves the removal of bacteria and infected tissue from the root surfaces to help promote healing.
Polishing
After scaling and root planing, the dental professional may use a special tool to polish the surface of the teeth. This helps to smooth out any roughness and removes any remaining plaque or tartar.
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and make them more resistant to decay. During a professional teeth cleaning, the dental professional may apply a fluoride treatment to the teeth to help strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.
Airflow Teeth Cleaning
Airflow teeth cleaning is a dental treatment that uses a combination of compressed air, water, and powder to remove plaque and stains from the teeth. The treatment is gentle and can be completed in a short amount of time, making it a popular option for those who want to improve the appearance of their smile without undergoing more invasive procedures. It is typically performed by a dental hygienist and can be combined with other dental treatments such as scaling and polishing to further improve oral health.
There are certain individuals who may not be suitable candidates for professional teeth cleaning due to certain medical conditions or other factors. Here are a few examples of individuals who may not be able to undergo a professional teeth cleaning:
People with severe gum disease:
People with advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may not be able to undergo a professional teeth cleaning until their gum disease is treated. This is because the procedure may cause bleeding or irritation of the gums, which could exacerbate the condition.
People with certain medical conditions:
Some medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may make a person more prone to infections. In these cases, a dental professional may recommend postponing a professional teeth cleaning until the medical condition is better controlled.
People who are pregnant:
While professional teeth cleaning is generally safe during pregnancy, some dental professionals may recommend postponing the procedure until after pregnancy to reduce the risk of any potential complications.
People with certain allergies:
If you have a known allergy to any dental materials, such as latex or local anesthetics, you may not be able to undergo a professional teeth cleaning. Be sure to inform your dental professional about any allergies you have before the procedure.
People with certain medications:
Some medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding during a teeth cleaning. If you are taking any medications that may interfere with the procedure, your dental professional may recommend postponing the cleaning until you are no longer taking the medication.
People with certain dental restorations:
Individuals who have certain dental restorations, such as bridges, crowns, or implants, may not be suitable for certain types of professional cleaning.
How long does the professional teeth cleaning procedure last?
Treatment Procedure
The length of a professional teeth cleaning procedure can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the plaque and tartar build-up, the condition of the teeth and gums, and the individual's oral health. On average, a professional teeth cleaning can take between 30 and 60 minutes. However, in some cases, the procedure may take longer if more extensive work is needed. Your dental professional will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the length of the procedure based on your specific needs.
How do we determine if you need a deep cleaning?
3 THINGS
"...to determine the difference between a deep cleaning and a healthy mouth cleaning..."
If you have bone loss so that you can't really determine by yourself but we're taking x-rays if your bone is supposed to be at a certain level and it's less than that, there's a good chance you're going to need a deep cleaning.
This is probably the most vital - and this is what we use really to determine if you need to deep cleaning when the hygienist or the dentist is going in the mouth with that little probe, thingy and they're spelling enough numbers, if the numbers are fours and greater so: four, five, six and greater then you're very, very likely going to need a deep cleaning.
Why should you get this deep cleaning? Let's give you four reasons.
- Better breath
- Better overall health (orally and systemically)
- Fewer tartar issues in the future
- Money savings
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