Maintaining the best possible oral health and function requires regular dental cleanings.  A dentist cleans and polishes your teeth through the procedure of scaling and polishing to get rid of bacteria, tartar, and hardened plaque.  Dental cleanings aid in achieving and maintaining healthy teeth and gums when paired with consistent at-home brushing and flossing. 

What are the types of dental cleanings? 

Although the goal of scaling and polishing remains the same, that is, eradicating accumulated tartar and bacteria on the teeth crown and roots, there are different types of dental cleanings, based on an individuals needs –  

• Prophylaxis : For those with generally healthy teeth and gums, this is a routine preventive cleaning.  It is the most popular kind of dental cleaning. 

• Gross debridement : A gross debridement may be beneficial for people with significant plaque accumulation or those who haven’t seen a dentist in more than a year.  This usually take a much longer time comparing to usual prophylaxis. Determining whether there are any problems that weren’t previously identified prior to the dental cleaning is the primary goal of debridement. 

• Scaling and root planning :  Scaling and root planing, also referred to as a deep dental cleaning, removes bacteria and hardened tartar (calculus) surrounding the roots of teeth by going well below the gum line.  This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and is usually recommended for patients with mild to moderate periodontitis (gum disease).  

What are the benefits of dental cleanings? 

• Serious dental and oral issues like cavities and gum disease are prevented. 

•  Improved whole-body health.  

• As hardened plaque can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis, routine cleanings can help take care of this. 

• Reduced cost. Preventive dental care, such as dental cleanings, help stop issues before they start. This can save you a lot of time, worry and money in the long run. 

How often should one get a dental cleaning? 

According to the American Dental Association, every individual should have a dental cleaning every six months. But that could change based on your unique oral health needs. 

What is involved in a dental cleaning at the dentist? 

• Scaling : During this step, the dentist uses ultrasonic scalers that vibrates with sharp sprays of water. These vibrating tips remove the hardened tartar without damaging the teeth. 

•  Polishing : The dentist polishes the teeth using a soft rubber cup and a special paste or pumice. This removes the biofilm on your teeth surfaces and reduces plaque buildup without damaging your enamel. 

• Preventive treatments : Depending on an individual’s oral health needs, the dentist may recommend other preventive services like dental sealants or fluoride treatments. These treatments usually prevent any future dental issues. 

Are dental cleanings worth it? 

A vital component of oral healthcare is Dental cleanings.  Compared to restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, or bridges, preventive procedures are far less expensive.  Cleaning your teeth lowers your chance of developing common oral health problems.  This implies that they can genuinely assist you in making general financial savings. 

Are dental cleanings painful? 

Dental cleanings are not painful at all. The ultrasonic vibrating tips slowly but effectively removes accumulated tartar without damaging the teeth surface. Sometimes, local anesthesia is required as a pain control measure when deep cleaning is planned. 

Do Dental cleanings damage the teeth? 

It’s a myth that dental cleaning damages the teeth. In fact, regular dental cleanings identifies future dental issues like cavities and gum diseases, thereby preventing major dental problems. The ultrasonic scalers remove the hardened tartar and accumulated bacteria effectively from surface of the teeth without damaging the teeth.