Simple VS Deep Cleaning: Its Difference and Importance

Maintaining healthy teeth is vital for a number of reasons. Aside from aesthetics, having strong, healthy teeth is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle. 

According to Boston Magazine, by the age of 50 an adult has already lost nearly twelve of their permanent teeth. 

The two very top reasons for tooth loss are periodontal disease (gum disease) and untreated cavities. Regular dental visits and pro-cleanings are obviously the best things you can do to avoid adding to another scary tooth loss statistic. 

Why do I need professional dental cleanings? 

Brushing and flossing at least twice daily is essential for good oral health. However, it can only do so much. A plaque will accumulate on the surface of the teeth and along the gum line over time, eventually hardening into tartar. Professional cleanings can remove tartar that daily brushing and flossing cannot.  Regular cleanings can protect your teeth from gum disease, a major cause of extended ailments such as strokes, dementia, and heart disease. In fact, the National Library of Medicine through systematic and meta-analysis, has proven that strokes are 95% linked to periodontal disease. 

What kind of cleaning do I need? 

Following an examination, your dentist will evaluate which type of cleaning will be most beneficial to you. During the exam, your dentist will measure the gap between your teeth and gums – ideally, the measurement should be less than four millimetres. If the number exceeds four, you will need a deep cleaning rather than a routine simple cleaning. 

Simple Cleaning 

 It is strongly advised to get a simple cleaning every six months (i.e., twice per year).  This cleaning is used to remove germs and tartar that has accumulated between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can be kept at bay with a thorough cleaning, brushing, and flossing and keep the gums healthy. 

Deep Cleaning 

A deep cleaning is essential when bacteria and tartar have accumulated at least 5 millimetres between the teeth and the gum line. “Pockets” form due to gum disease, germs and tartar fills. Not removing these pockets can lead to various oral health issues, including periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss. 

Scaling and root planning are other terms for deep cleaning. Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and gum pockets, whereas root planning is the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots. This cleaning may require more than one appointment. 

Deep cleaning can potentially help reverse periodontal disease. Many people see improvements within three months of having their teeth deep cleaned. 

Whether you need bi-annual cleanings or suspect you have gum disease and seek intensive treatment, we are here to help. We at Bravo! Dental make it our goal to provide high-quality dental services that will keep your smile and lifestyle healthy and beautiful.