Deep cleaning of teeth is a professional dental oral hygiene procedure that involves the removal of the accumulation of tooth debris like plaque and calculus (a sticky deposit of the teeth in which bacteria proliferate). People nowadays believe that getting deep cleaning of their teeth done could damage their teeth. Some people that have dental anxiety and fear, in general, try to avoid even going to the dentist. This is not true because deep cleaning of the teeth helps us prevent gum diseases and saves a person from the embarrassment of having bad breath. Types Of Dental Cleaning There are a total of four types of dental cleaning that are available to us. 1. Dental prophylaxis 2. Scaling and root planing 3. Periodontal maintenance 4. Gross debridement Why Do You Need Deep Cleaning Of Your Teeth? Deep cleaning of the teeth has become a kind of ritual that dentists follow nowadays. It not just keeps the teeth white and bright and the gums healthy but also helps with many other dental problems too. They are as follows: -It helps in the prevention of caries development. They save the person from spending their money on getting fillings done. If the accumulation of plaque is to such an extent that the gums are severely damaged, then it can lead to loosening and, eventually, tooth loss. -It also prevents bad breath in the patient. -It is cost-effective as many dental insurances cover this in their dental plans. -It also helps maintain a brighter and fuller smile as it removes the external stains off the tooth -It helps prevent heart diseases since the caries lesion can extend to the apex of the tooth and eventually involve the systemic system. What Happens During A Dental Cleaning? Most people fear dental visits due to the strange clicking noises and jaw discomfort, while others find it pleasing to some extent. The step-by-step procedure on what happens during a dental cleaning visit is as follows: -Step 1 (physical exam): Before the dental cleaning procedure, the dental hygienist checks the condition of the gums and the teeth. They look for any signs of inflammation of the gums or cavities with the help of a dental mirror. If any complication arises, they consult the dentist before proceeding with the process. -Step 2 (removal of plaque and tartar): The dental hygienist removes the plaque and tartar from the teeth surfaces and between the teeth with the help of a scalar. The more tartar there is, the more scaling is needed. With regular brushing and flossing, a patient can prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar. But if this is not followed, plaque can harden to form tartar that the dentist can only remove. -Step 3 (granular toothpaste cleaning): After the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar, they use a high-speed electric brush with a granular (gritty) consistency of toothpaste to cleanse the teeth. This step helps remove any remaining tartar present. The toothpaste used primarily tastes like any regular toothpaste, but it also comes in other flavors. If the cleaning is done by a professional, dental cleaning is regarded as safe, even if it is done twice a year. If the patient uses harsh brushing techniques or the dental professional doesn't know the proper techniques, it will wear down the enamel. -Step 4 (professional flossing): Even if a person flosses every day, nothing can compete with the professional flossing technique. The dental professional digs deep between the teeth and removes the remaining toothpaste and tartar that may have been left behind during the previous cleaning process. -Step 5 (rinsing): The next step is rinsing out your mouth to remove any debris. The dental hygienist gives you a liquid containing fluoride for rinsing your mouth. -Step 6 (fluoride treatment): Lastly, they apply fluoride treatment on the teeth. The application of fluoride helps to protect the teeth for many months to come. The dental hygienist places a foamy gel (flavor of the patient's choice) for a minute in a mouthpiece that fits precisely over the tooth. Varnish is also painted over the teeth that harden instantly, enabling the patient to eat and drink immediately. How Often Do You Get A Cleaning? Going for a professional dental cleaning regularly is an essential thing to do to support good oral health. Dental cleaning is a part of the annual dental check-up; a person should get a thorough cleaning process at least twice a year. Even if you think that your teeth are immaculate, you should still go for a check-up so that the dental professional can carefully examine if there is any inflammation of the gums or any caries development. FAQs -Is a deep cleaning really necessary? Deep dental cleaning is necessary when there is a significant amount of bacteria and tartar buildup on the surfaces of your teeth. Once pockets form from gum disease, the bacteria and tartar begin to fill these pockets. If not removed, periodontal disease and, eventually, tooth loss can take place. -How long does a deep cleaning take? The average time for a deep cleaning visit is approximately 45 minutes. In most cases, deep cleaning will take two visits to clean both sides of the mouth. -How often should you get a deep cleaning? You can have deep cleanings whenever it feels necessary. Still, make sure you have at least two dental cleanings per year. Deep cleanings are for patients with oral issues like gum disease. Consult with your dentist to determine how often you should have deep cleanings.