You must have heard this said many times – proper oral hygiene is a must for a radiant smile and overall well-being. One crucial aspect of dental care involves the prevention of plaque and tartar buildup on our teeth. While regular brushing and flossing are instrumental in this regard, there are occasions when a more in-depth cleaning by a dentist becomes necessary. This article tells you the significance of professional deep cleaning teeth and how it contributes to achieving and preserving a healthy mouth.
Plaque and Tartar: What are They?
Plaque and tartar are two common dental adversaries that impact oral health. Here’s a closer look at what they are:
Plaque
Plaque is a sticky, translucent film of bacteria that persistently forms on your teeth. These bacteria thrive on the sugars and starches from your dietary intake, generating acids that can harm your tooth enamel. If left unaddressed through regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum ailments.
Tartar (Calculus)
Not removing plague efficiently solidifies it into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar is a rough, yellow, or brownish deposit that develops on your teeth and beneath the gumline. In contrast to plaque, tartar cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and mandates professional dental intervention.
The Importance of Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning, often referred to as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure meticulously crafted to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup that is beyond the reach of routine oral care practices. Here’s why it’s necessary:
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease, medically termed periodontal disease, is a severe condition that can emerge due to unattended plaque and tartar accumulation. Deep teeth cleaning is instrumental in averting and managing gum disease by eradicating the source of infection lurking below the gumline.
Mitigating Tooth Decay
Tartar buildup can create a conducive environment for harmful bacteria, fostering tooth decay. Deep cleaning effectively eliminates these deposits, thus diminishing your susceptibility to cavities.
Enhanced Breath Freshness
Plaque and tartar can contribute to unpleasant breath odor (halitosis). By eradicating these deposits, deep teeth cleaning can rejuvenate your breath, leaving it noticeably fresher.
The Deep Teeth Cleaning Procedure
Here’s a look at the procedural steps during a deep teeth cleaning appointment with your dentist:
Initial Assessment:
Before starting the treatment, your dentist will carefully check your teeth and gums to see how much plaque and tartar have built up. They might also take X-ray pictures to see how healthy your tooth roots are.
Scaling
Your dentist will perform a step called scaling. During scaling, your dentist will use special tools to remove the plaque from your teeth and below your gumline. The time it takes for this part of the process can vary depending on the amount of buildup present.
Root Planing
Subsequent to scaling, root planning comes into play. This phase entails smoothing the tooth roots to impede further accumulation of plaque and tartar. It also aids in facilitating proper gum reattachment to the teeth.
Antibacterial Rinse
Your dentist might give you a special antibacterial rinse. This rinse helps get rid of any remaining bacteria and encourages the healing process.
Post-Treatment Care
Your dentist will furnish you with guidelines on maintaining your oral hygiene at home. Your dentist might recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Benefits of Deep Teeth Cleaning
Choosing to undergo deep teeth cleaning extends a multitude of benefits:
Enhanced Oral Health
Deep cleaning serves as a restorative measure, preserving the health of your gums and teeth while diminishing the risk of dental complications.
A More Refreshing Smile
The elimination of plaque and tartar can contribute to a brighter, cleaner smile, bolstering your self-assurance.
Prevention of Tooth Loss
By addressing gum disease and forestalling further damage, deep cleaning can aid in preserving your natural teeth.
Overall Well-being
Sound oral health is intrinsically linked to your general well-being, potentially reducing the risk of systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
In conclusion, professional deep cleaning teeth administered by a dentist is crucial for outstanding oral health. By effectively eradicating plaque and tartar buildup, this procedure plays a pivotal role in averting gum disease, diminishing the likelihood of tooth decay, and enhancing the radiance of your smile.
