It’s no secret that proper dental hygiene requires more than just brushing twice daily. To ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, it’s best to visit the dentist once every six months and have them perform what’s known as deep cleaning. As you might guess, this type of cleaning involves brushing with special tools and other procedures to remove any plaque or build-up that may be present in your mouth. But does deep cleaning really offer any benefits? In this article, we’ll examine the advantages and disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth and discuss when it’s best to seek this treatment.
Food Stays in Between Tooth
Dental plaque, or food residue, stays in between teeth for a short amount of time before it becomes hard and forms tartar. Over time, plaque build-up leads to increased risk for cavities, gum disease and other harmful oral health problems. Because tartar is so difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing, it is important to schedule professional dental cleanings every six months in order to ensure your teeth remain as healthy as possible. Not only do deep cleanings help reduce your risk for these harmful conditions, but they also improve your overall oral health by helping you maintain a better smile throughout life.
Causes Dry Mouth
The same properties that help dry mouth toothpaste clean your teeth and freshen your breath can also make you excessively thirsty. Dry mouth toothpastes contain alcohol, which is not only a drying agent but can also cause a quick drop in blood pressure. Drinking water helps increase saliva levels to prevent any ill effects but staying hydrated is a key factor in maintaining good oral health. A general rule of thumb is to drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day—and don’t forget to brush your teeth after every glass! Also be wary if you drink carbonated beverages such as soda or sports drinks while using a dry mouth toothpaste—carbonation increases saliva levels and can actually reduce dehydration.
Bad Breath
One disadvantage of deep cleaning teeth is bad breath. If you use a good mouthwash, you should be fine. The great thing about gum disease is that it can be easily treated with antibiotics when it occurs. Even so, you should still brush your teeth regularly to prevent gum disease from developing in your mouth. If you do have a case of gum disease, deep cleaning might actually aggravate it instead of curing it because tooth infections can become deep-rooted when not cleaned thoroughly enough. You’ll know if your teeth have bad breath if others tell you or if there is a very strong unpleasant odor coming from your mouth on occasion.
Longer Bleeding Time
Some dentists and hygienists consider deep cleaning dangerous because it often causes bleeding during or after treatment. Though a little blood is normal, you should let your dentist know if you experience more than that. Longer bleeding time may be caused by gum disease or tooth decay below a cracked tooth’s enamel. Your dentist can fix these problems and help your gums heal properly so they won’t bleed anymore.
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