Why Getting Professional Teeth Cleaning is Important?

 A moist and warm oral environment is very conducive for bacteria growth and it can manifest in a number of ways. Plaque is the film formed on your teeth by the bacteria colonies in your mouth. If this plaque isn't removed on time, the bacterial colonies calcify & they then mineralize into a very tough substance called tartar; this attracts even more bacteria. Plaque and tartar damage your teeth more.

 

In an active, destructive state bacteria can cause gum disease called gingivitis. If this condition isn't addressed in time, it leads to periodontitis. This attacks the bone and is a severe form of gum that houses your teeth. This results in bone loss; eventually, your teeth may even fall out as they don't have a solid foundation to hold them down.

Types of Dental Cleanings

It's best to get your teeth professionally cleaned by your Dentist Near Me, at least twice a year. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. There are different types of professional teeth cleanings not many people are aware of, such as:

• Prophylaxis - This type of teeth cleaning removes the built-up plaque that you won't be able to remove by regular brushing at home. This process includes tooth polishing. Dentists now recommend that professional teeth cleaning should be done every 8-16 weeks based on new data.

Tools Used: Fine hand instruments, ultrasonic scale, polishing cup, and paste.

• Full Mouth Debridement - If your teeth haven't been professionally cleaned for over a year, there is bound to be a very heavy build-up of tartar. If there is a significant amount of calculus build-up in different areas of the mouth, your dentist will tell you that full mouth debridement is necessary.

Tools Used: Hand tools, a micro-ultrasonic scaler.

• Gingival Bacterial Reduction - In this professional cleaning, laser light is used to kill bacteria in the infected gum pockets in the mouth. The cleaning process will be done in combination with gingivitis treatment.

Tools Used: Ultrasonic scaler, laser light, fine hand instruments, a polishing cup, and paste.

• Site specific laser therapy - There are times when the bacterial infection affects the gums as well as the bone that holds teeth in place. In this case, a laser light will be used to attack the bacterial colonies that have formed deep within the gum pockets. When there is periodontal disease, this therapy is used. 

Tools Used: Fine hand instruments, micro-ultrasonic scaler, laser light.

• Periodontal maintenance - If you have been treated for periodontal disease, you will have to go in for specialized, professional teeth cleaning every 8/10/12 weeks.

Tools Used: Micro-ultrasonic scaler, Fine hand instruments, a polishing cup, laser light, and paste.

As you can see, there are different types of professional teeth cleaning. With the number of cleanings and the type of deep cleaning teeth you will require per year, your dentist will ascertain the type. This will be based on the extent of plaque or tartar build-up and the present condition of your teeth and gums.