A healthy and clean mouth requires more than brushing and flossing daily. Professional deep teeth cleanings can help prevent severe oral health issues, particularly beneficial for those with moderate to severe gum disease or plaque buildup. Deep teeth cleanings address issues that regular cleanings may miss or not be able to fully address, promoting healthier teeth and gums.
Neglecting plaque and tartar buildup can have significant consequences for oral health. When left untreated, the accumulation of bacteria along the gum line can lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal (gum) disease. Red, swollen gums and bleeding while brushing are often the first signs of this condition.
If gingivitis progresses, it can develop into periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontitis can result in gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Additionally, research has linked advanced gum disease to systemic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Fortunately, deep teeth cleaning addresses the root causes of gum disease. While it does not cure severe periodontal disease, it can prevent it from progressing and reduce the risk of long-term oral health complications. By removing harmful bacteria and promoting gum healing, this procedure can save teeth that the patient may have otherwise lost to advanced periodontal disease.
A deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure designed to remove plaque and tartar that accumulate below the gum line. Unlike routine cleanings, which focus on the surfaces of a person's teeth and gums, this treatment reaches the pockets between the teeth and gums where harmful, accumulated bacteria thrive. These pockets form when plaque buildup leads to inflammation and gum detachment, commonly associated with severe periodontal disease.
Deep cleaning is essential for preventing tooth loss by effectively removing plaque and tartar that contribute to the progression of gum disease. This procedure reduces gum inflammation and allows the gums to heal and reattach to the patient's teeth, promoting healthier gums overall. Additionally, deep cleaning helps to combat chronic bad breath, leading to a cleaner and fresher-smelling mouth.
Furthermore, improved gum health can reduce the risk of developing or worsening systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, which research has linked to poor oral hygiene. After deep cleaning, patients are better equipped to maintain better oral hygiene, contributing to their overall health and well-being.
A general dentist will typically recommend a deep cleaning for patients showing signs of gum disease. These signs may include:
Patients who have not gone to a regular dental cleaning for a long time or who have poor oral hygiene habits may need to undergo this procedure.
A dental examination will often include probing the gums to measure the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums. If the pockets exceed 4 millimeters, the patient may need a deep cleaning. The dentist may also use imaging tests like dental X-rays to identify any existing bone loss, which also can indicate the need for treatment.
During a deep cleaning, a general dentist uses specialized tools to carefully clean below the patient's gum line. The cleaning process involves two primary steps:
This thorough cleaning process is essential for individuals with signs of gum disease, including swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession.
While deep cleaning is an effective treatment, it is only one component of comprehensive dental care. Routine dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing the need for more invasive treatments. They can also prevent the need for future deep cleanings. Patients who undergo deep teeth cleaning should continue to visit their dentist for regular follow-ups to ensure their gums remain healthy and infection-free.
A deep teeth cleaning can prevent tooth loss, improve gum health, and contribute to your long-term oral health. Alexandria Old Town Dental offers deep teeth cleanings in the Alexandria area. Call our office to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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