Tooth cleaning is performed to keep your teeth healthy and avoid oral health conditions with your teeth and their supporting structures. The type of teeth cleaning suited for you will depend on the severity of your oral condition. For example, a dentist might recommend periodontal maintenance for a person with gingivitis and a prophy cleaning for a person with a cavity. Understanding the different types of teeth cleaning will not only help you determine the procedure best suited for you, but it also helps you manage your expectations.

Prophy Cleaning

This type of cleaning is also called a routine cleaning. It is often performed by a dental hygienist and involves removing plaque from teeth and also getting rid of deeper, hardened calculus and any stains on the surface of your teeth. In this procedure, the dentist may also scale and polish the teeth. This treatment is given to prevent cavities. Prophylaxis is suited for healthy patients and not people with severely damaged teeth. Experts recommend a prophylaxis cleaning every six months to prevent a buildup of plaque.

Gross Debridement

A gross debridement is a procedure administered by a dentist to determine whether they overlooked any oral conditions during a prophy cleaning. The cleaning involves the removal of plaque and calculus. This procedure is commonly performed on individuals who have not seen a dentist in over a year. It may also be performed on patients with an accumulation of plaque above and below the gum line.

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment, also known as deep cleaning. This treatment is done after a gross debridement and is used to remove the buildup of tartar between the gums and teeth. If plaque remains unchecked, it turns into tartar, which could lead to gingivitis. If you have swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth and bad breath, then you need a deep cleaning.

Periodontal Maintenance Therapy

Periodontal maintenance is recommended every four months for people suffering from periodontal disease. This procedure is performed when scaling and root planing is not enough to restore oral health and prevent bone loss. Periodontal therapy helps keep gum disease at bay by disrupting the growth of bacteria.

Summing It Up

Teeth cleaning procedures are important for general oral health. As noted above, these cleanings focus on addressing tartar and plaque. Thorough cleanings are done on patients with a serious accumulation of plaque buildup. In severe cases, periodontal maintenance is performed. Consult your dentist on the type of cleaning suited for your teeth. It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year to avoid an accumulation of plaque and to keep your teeth and gums healthy.