Dentists say you should visit them twice a year to keep these germs from causing problems like cavities and gum pain. During these visits, your dentist will check your teeth and gums, then clean off the sticky film and hard stuff that builds up on your teeth. Getting rid of this buildup also removes lots of germs. Keep reading this blog from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash and learn more about the different types of dental cleanings.
1. Regular Cleaning (Basic Clean)
This is the most common type of cleaning. It’s for people who have healthy teeth and want to keep them that way. The dentist uses special tools or water sprays to clean the front, back, and sides of your teeth. Most people only need this type of cleaning, especially if they brush and floss every day and see their dentist twice a year.
2. Deep Cleaning
Deep cleanings are needed when your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding. This happens when germs get under your gums and make pockets around your teeth. For mild gum problems, you can get this done in one visit. For serious gum disease, you might need several visits and numbing medicine.
The dentist does two main things during deep cleaning:
- Removes buildup from your teeth and under your gums
- Smooths your tooth roots so your gums can heal and stick back to your teeth
3. Gum Care Cleaning
This cleaning is for people who already have gum disease and need ongoing care. It’s similar to deep cleaning, but you get it more often – maybe every 3-4 months instead of twice a year. This is because gum disease gets worse over time if you don’t treat it regularly.
The dentist cleans under your gums and smooths your tooth roots when needed. Getting this done often helps stop gum disease from getting worse.
4. Gross Debridement (Heavy-Duty Cleaning)
This is the strongest type of cleaning for people with lots of hard buildup on their teeth. You might need this if you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time or have trouble keeping your teeth clean at home.
When buildup sits on your teeth for too long, it gets very hard. The dentist uses electric tools that shake and vibrate to break up this tough buildup. After removing all the hard stuff, they do a regular cleaning to make your teeth extra clean.
Which Dental Cleaning Do You Need?
At Westover Family Dentistry, Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash will decide which cleaning is best for you after looking at your teeth and gums. All these cleanings have the same goal – to remove germs and keep your mouth healthy. The difference is how deep they need to clean and how often you need them.
So here’s the big question: when was your last teeth cleaning? If it’s been more than six months, it might be time to schedule your next visit!