Do You Need More than a Basic Teeth Cleaning?

Good oral health starts with a clean mouth. Clean teeth not only make you feel better about your appearance, but they are also critically important to your overall health. Regular cleaning removes surface stains from colored beverages that dull your smile. Teeth cleaning can also help ward off gum disease, which can lead to early tooth loss. Lastly, serious oral cancers can be detected early and treated successfully through regular dental visits.

The Value of a Clean Mouth

There is a strong connection between gum disease and cardiovascular conditions. Regular teeth cleaning can help reduce your chances of heart attack or stroke by reducing harmful bacteria that can travel from your mouth into your bloodstream. Cleanings also reveal problems such as broken teeth and loose fillings. A clean mouth can save you money in the long run by preventing other conditions that can lead to costly repairs and treatments.

Basic Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning

A basic dental cleaning involves removing buildup of tartar and bacteria that collects over the span of a six-month period. If you visit your dentist regularly, a basic cleaning is probably all you need. Deep cleanings go even further. If it has been a while since you visited your dentist, the chances are greater that you have developed gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums due to poor oral hygiene. If gingivitis is allowed to continue, it can lead to periodontal disease, where pockets of bacteria develop in your gums. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

To remedy the deep pockets of gum disease, a deep clean is often necessary. Deep cleaning literally gets to the “root” of the problem. Scaling is the process that removes plaque and tartar from those pockets that develop. Root planning removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the root. It may be necessary to complete a deep clean over several appointments to address the whole mouth.

If you are not sure which type of cleaning is right you, we can help you at the office of Dr. Mitzi Morris. Regardless of whether you need a basic dental cleaning or a deep cleaning, we promise a comfortable and patient-centered experience from start to finish. Your smile is worth taking care of – how long as it been since you’ve had your teeth cleaned?