When you think of dental hygiene, brushing, flossing, and gargling might come into might. However, this is not the only thing to have beautiful and healthy teeth and mouth. According to the California Department of Public Health, almost 61% of the population is dealing with dental issues which projects the urgency in ensuring dental hygiene. So, would you do that?
Dental cleaning is one of the solutions, and the purpose of this blog is to highlight the 4 types of teeth cleaning for better oral hygiene and perfect smile.
What does teeth cleaning mean?
Teeth or dental cleaning is the process where the hygienist or dentist cleans, polishes, flosses, and removes hardened plaque, bacteria, and tartar is removed. Even the dentists stated that teeth cleaning twice a year can help to protect teeth from any damage, or dental problem.
Major 4 types of teeth cleaning options
Scaling and root planning
This process is a slightly invasive teeth-cleaning procedure, but it is a non-surgical process. Under this process, the dentist deep cleans gum lines, gums, and the supporting structure of the teeth. The purpose of this treatment is to treat chronic periodontal disease (a form of severe gingivitis) and remove plaque, calculus-affected enamel, irregular and rough surfaces, and cementum.
This is recommended by dentists if you have advanced gum disease, or untreated inflammation which is leading to bone loss. Moreover, if you are experiencing pain while brushing or flossing, then these are strong indicators of gum problems, so you can opt for this option at that time. Although, 70% adult of the US have gum disease
Prophylaxis cleaning
The treatment helps to halt the progression of gum disease and keep the oral cavity in good health. When plaque colonizes above or below gingival tissue, it causes severe inflammation and irritation which respond in the form of chronic inflammation in the body. We know this is the beginning of the destruction of bone and gum tissue, shifting of teeth, or loss of teeth. So, to protect teeth from such issues, it is better to visit the dentist and plan a prophylaxis cleaning process. Removing tartar, gives aesthetic loo, fresher breath, and reduced oral issues are some of the benefits of prophylaxis cleaning.
This is performed in different stages including-
Supragingival cleaning- clean the gum line area and remove calculus and plaque.
Root planning- smoothening of root to eliminate the remaining bacteria.
Medication- antimicrobial cream is placed in the gum pockets to promote fast healing.
X-ray and elimination- this helps to reveal the extent of bone recession so that the dentist can identify the area that requires attention.
Periodontal maintenance
This is majorly recommended for individuals who are suffering from severe oral issues. Although it is similar to prophylaxis. But in periodontal maintenance, you can visit the dentist every three to four months, and they examine the pockets of gums along with regular cleaning. They flush out the excessive infection with antiseptics. This disinfects the area and controls further inflammation and infections. There are some of the common symptoms when you can consider this teeth cleaning-
- Swollen gums
- Puffy gums
- Bleeding from gums
- Pus between teeth and gum resulted in blackening the area
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
Gross debridement
Dentists recommend this teeth-cleaning process if someone has significant tartar and plaque buildup. Based on the newly conducted study, people with hidden plaque built up tend to die early than people who take care of their oral hygiene. Almost half of the US population have hidden plaque but no symptoms.
Don’t worry, dentists will not directly recommend this process. First, they perform an oral examination and then process the routine prophylaxis teeth cleaning or gross debridement. This is based on the condition projected by oral examination.
Benefits of routine dental cleaning
Professional dental cleaning has several benefits that keep your smile bright, so here are some-
Tooth loss: No worries
Acidic food disturbs the pH level of teeth and saliva creating an environment conducive for bacterial growth. Roughly 60% of Californians consume processed food and acidic drinks. So, visiting the dentist timely and reducing unhealthy food can improve oral and overall health, and protect you from tooth loss.
Avoiding cavities
Cavities are an indication of tooth decay. Understand, that cavities are the result of poor oral hygiene, alcohol consumption, bacteria, and frequent snacking. That is why, Elite Dental Group suggests, that if you want to reduce the chances of cavities, teeth cleaning is an effective option.
Prevention of gum disease
Based on the evidence, the American Academy of Periodontology suggested visiting dentists as 30% of Americans are on the verge of developing periodontal issues because of their genes. Through teeth cleaning, the risk can be reduced.
Elevate your smile Lastly, beautiful and healthy dental health always reflects confidence. This not only boosts boost confidence but also helps to elevate your smile. So, if you want to have a healthy and happy smile, visit experts like Elite Dental Group and enhance the beauty of your smile.