Island Dental blog

The 4 Types of Dental Cleaning and How Each Can Impact Your Oral Health

February 10, 2022

Teeth cleaning is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world. In fact, millions of people visit the dentist every year to improve their oral health and prevent future problems. But did you know that there are actually four different types of teeth cleaning in Marco Island? Each one has unique benefits and can help keep your smile healthy.

Dental cleanings aim to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can be the breeding ground for harmful bacteria inside your mouth. Depending on the amount of plaque you have upon checking up, your dentist will perform one or more of the following procedures to ensure you don't suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, or oral infections.  

A woman sits in the dental chair for a teeth cleaning in Marco Island

Dental Cleaning Facts You Should Know

4 Types of Dental Cleaning

Oral Prophylaxis

For patients with higher-than-average plaque, tartar, and calculus, oral prophylaxis can help to reduce the risk of oral infections and oral cancer by removing plaque and tartar from teeth and gums. In addition, oral prophylaxis can help prevent tooth decay by removing bacteria that may linger in between teeth.  

This procedure can also help prevent tooth sensitivity and gum disease. In this procedure, your dentist will use a scaler, or a device to scrape away the hardened plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. This procedure should be performed by your dentist at least twice a year to maintain your oral health.  

Oral hygiene instructions will also be provided to help prevent plaque from forming on your teeth again. However, it is important to remember that you should not expect this procedure to prevent the formation of plaque, tartar, or gum disease.  

This procedure is only effective in removing plaque, tartar, and calculus from teeth that are already present. The most effective way to prevent plaque and tartar from forming is to brush and floss your teeth daily. This is the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, and to keep your mouth healthy.  

The more plaque in your mouth, the more bacteria have a place to hide and grow, which may lead to tooth decay.

Scaling and Root Planing

The removal of tartar and plaque from teeth is a routine dental cleaning. But there are times when scaling and root planing may be necessary to eliminate the most stubborn problems. Scaling removes tartar and plaque from the root of your teeth. It is often used for the removal of decay from below the gum line.  

On the other hand, root planing is used to eliminate sharp undercutting of the tooth’s root to smoothen it and allow for a more even surface that will give the gum more support.  

Scaling and root planing are preventative measures to help prevent gum disease from developing. But they do not heal the gum disease that has already been developed; instead, it helps it heal. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you have regular dental cleaning and that you are in good oral health.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a regular dental cleaning that should be performed every three months. This procedure is important because it helps the gum tissue continue to heal and build more support around the teeth. This will help prevent gum disease from developing and will help your teeth stay healthy.  

The gums may become more sensitive during this time, so if you are experiencing toothaches, it may be a good idea to go to your dentist at this time to discuss possible causes or reasons. The most common reason that periodontal maintenance is recommended is that it is a routine dental cleaning for someone who has gingivitis.  

However, if you have bleeding gums, periodontal disease, gum pockets, or any abnormalities, you should have a follow up consultation with your dentist. This will provide them with a better opportunity to identify any problems that may have developed since your last visit. It will also help them evaluate their treatment and give them a clearer idea of your care plan.

Gross Debridement

This procedure is done to remove necrotic tissue or bacteria that have invaded the soft tissue, or gum tissue, of the mouth. This may be necessary if the gum tissue is inflamed, or if the necrotic tissue or bacteria are not being removed as a result of scaling and root planing.  

Patients who need to undergo this procedure are those who have been neglecting their oral health for many years, causing them to have a copious amount of dental calculus.  

a patient sits in the dental chair while the dentist performs a teeth cleaning procedure in Marco Island

What Are the Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning?

It Enhances Your Smile

Professional teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining your smile. Gum health and a healthy mouth are essential to a bright and beautiful smile. Through professional teeth cleaning, you are able to remove any tartar, plaque, and food debris from between your teeth. Tartar and plaque are important causes of tooth decay as they can cause staining to your teeth.  

It Removes Bad Breath

Bad breath may be caused by food that resides between your teeth. Food that has been trapped between your teeth can cause odors to the surrounding area. Through professional cleaning, you can remove bacteria and foods that can cause bad breath.  

You may also notice your tongue changing colors after professional teeth cleaning. This is a result of some bacteria being removed from between your teeth.  

It Prevents Cavities

Cavities are caused by plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth. This buildup can eat away at the enamel of your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. Professional teeth cleaning helps remove this plaque buildup, therefore preventing cavities from forming.  

It Boosts Your Overall Health

Bacteria in your mouth is not only bad for your teeth, but it may also be bad for your overall health. If you have poor dental hygiene, bacteria in your mouth can collect and get lodged in your tonsils, sinuses, lungs, and kidneys.  

When this is the case, you may experience an increased risk of a number of different health issues including allergies, asthma, and sinus infections. Professional teeth cleaning can help to remove bacteria that may be causing you problems in other parts of your body.  

a patient smiles before getting a teeth cleaning in Marco Island

Schedule Your Professional Teeth Cleaning in Marco Island Today

The American Dental Association recommends that patients at a minimum have their teeth and gums cleaned every six months. This is because brushing and flossing can only do so much in terms of keeping harmful bacteria away. Some of them can hide in hard-to-reach areas and can cause serious health issues.  

If you're concerned about your oral health, schedule your teeth cleaning today by visiting our contact page at Island Paradise Dental. We will be delighted to serve you.  

Schedule Appointment

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.