Taking care of your smile goes beyond brushing and flossing. Sometimes, even the best oral hygiene routine can’t remove all the plaque and tartar that builds up over time, especially below the gum line.
This is where professional deep cleanings in Riverview come in to protect your teeth and gums from serious problems, such as gum disease, infections, and tooth loss.
What is Regular Cleaning
A regular cleaning is what most people think of when they visit the dentist near you every six months.
During this procedure, your dentist or hygienist removes surface plaque and tartar from your teeth, polishes them, and checks for cavities or other common issues.
Regular cleanings are preventive; they help maintain healthy teeth and gums, and catch small problems early before they become more severe.
What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?
Deep dental cleaning goes a step further than regular cleaning. This treatment targets areas below the gum line where plaque and tartar accumulate, particularly in pockets between teeth and gums.
These pockets can harbour bacteria that lead to gum disease, bad breath, and even bone loss if left untreated.
Deep cleanings often involve scaling and root planing, which means carefully cleaning the roots of your teeth and smoothing them so that the gums can reattach properly.
Unlike regular cleanings, which are mostly preventive, deep cleanings are considered therapeutic; they treat existing problems rather than just preventing them.
Key Difference Between a Deep and a Regular Cleaning
| Feature | Regular Cleaning | Deep Cleaning |
| Target Area | Above the gum line | Above and below the gum line |
| Purpose | Prevent cavities and maintain oral health | Treat gum disease and remove bacteria from deep pockets |
| Frequency | Usually every 6 months | As needed, based on gum health |
| Procedure | Polishing, plaque removal, basic checkup | Scaling, root planing, sometimes local anesthesia |
| Recovery | Minimal | Gums may feel sore or sensitive for a few days |
Who Needs a Deep Dental Cleaning?
Not everyone requires deep cleaning. People with healthy gums and no significant tartar buildup usually do fine with regular cleanings.
However, if your gums are inflamed, bleed when brushing, or you have persistent bad breath, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning.
Early intervention can prevent gum disease from progressing and protect your teeth for years to come.
What to Expect During the Procedure
During a deep cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will examine your gums and measure the depth of gum pockets. Local anesthesia may be applied to ensure comfort.
Scaling removes hardened tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gum line, while root planing smooths out rough spots to help gums heal.
After the root canal you will experience a mild soreness or sensitivity which subsides in a few days.
Your dentist will provide instructions for at-home care to support healing.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums
After a deep dental cleaning, taking care of your teeth at home is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended.
- Attend regular follow-up cleanings as advised by your dentist in Riverview, FL.
- Avoid smoking or excessive sugary foods that can harm gums.
Consistent home care and regular dental visits help prevent the need for future deep cleanings.
Wrapping Up!
Deep dental cleanings are an important tool for treating and preventing gum disease.
Understanding how they differ from regular cleanings helps you make the best choices for your oral health.
Healthy gums support a strong smile, reduce the risk of tooth loss and improve your well-being.
If you’re noticing gum sensitivity, bleeding while brushing, or persistent bad breath, don’t wait.
Contact our dentist today at Everglades Dental Studio to schedule a checkup and determine if a deep dental cleaning is right for you. Protect your smile and feel confident every day — and don’t hesitate to book an appointment to get started!
