Oral Health: What You Should Know about Deep Cleaning

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Deep teeth cleaning is an important part of oral hygiene that can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. It is a specialized procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and below the gum line. It can help reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay and make your teeth look and feel better.

The Reasons You Might Need Deep Cleaning

Lapse in Dental Care

If you have not been to the dentist in a while or have not been brushing and flossing regularly, plaque and tartar can accumulate on the teeth and below the gum line. To remove this buildup, a deep cleaning is necessary.

Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, a deep cleaning is often recommended to help reduce the symptoms and prevent further damage. Gum disease can cause tooth loss and other serious health issues if left untreated.

Periodontal Disease

A periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease that can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and cause deep pockets of infection. Deep cleaning is usually the first step in treating periodontal disease, followed by other treatments such as scaling and root planing.

What to Expect during a Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. It typically involves scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and below the gum line. The process can be done with a manual instrument or an ultrasonic scaler.

After the deep cleaning is complete, the dentist or hygienist will usually polish the teeth to remove any remaining plaque and tartar and make the teeth look and feel smoother.

Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning

A deep cleaning is more extensive than regular cleaning and is designed to reach below the gum line. Regular cleanings are performed to remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line and to polish the teeth. 

Deep cleanings are recommended for patients with gum disease or advanced periodontal disease. Regular cleanings are typically recommended for patients with good oral health.

How Often Should You Have Deep Cleaning

The frequency of deep cleanings depends on the individual’s oral health. For those with healthy gums, a deep cleaning is usually only needed once every three to four years. 

For those with periodontal disease or advanced gum disease, deep cleanings may be recommended more frequently. It is important to follow the dentist’s recommendations for how often to have a deep cleaning.

Anxiety and Deep Cleaning

Many people experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. This can be especially true when undergoing a deep cleaning, as it can be a more involved and uncomfortable procedure. Be sure to discuss your fears and anxieties with your dentist or hygienist so that they can help you feel more comfortable. Your dentist may also be able to provide you with sedation options to help reduce your anxiety.

The Bottom Line

A teeth deep cleaning is an important and effective method of maintaining good oral health. It involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line and polishing and flossing the teeth. This procedure can help to reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Deep cleaning can help keep teeth and gums healthy for years and should be done regularly as part of a comprehensive dental health plan.

Do you need deep teeth cleaning in Toronto? Ivory Dental has a team of dedicated and caring professionals in a relaxed and friendly environment. Book an appointment with us today. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends professional teeth cleaning every 6 months. Some patients with gum disease or other conditions may need cleanings every 3-4 months.

Does teeth cleaning hurt?

Professional teeth cleaning at Ivory Dental is generally comfortable. You may feel some pressure or vibration during scaling, but our hygienists are gentle and can apply numbing gel if needed.

How long does a teeth cleaning appointment take?

A routine dental cleaning at Ivory Dental typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of buildup and whether X-rays are needed.

Book Your Appointment at Ivory Dental

Ready to take the next step for your dental health? Dr. Claudia Wood and the team at Ivory Dental are here to help. Call us at (905) 839-9663 or book an appointment online. We serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Scarborough, and Markham.

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association dental care tips.

About the Author

Dr. Claudia Wood, DDS

Dr. Claudia Wood, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Ivory Dental in Pickering, Ontario. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, Dr. Wood is committed to providing personalized, gentle dental care for patients of all ages. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and stays current with the latest advancements in dental techniques and technology to deliver the highest standard of care.


✓ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Claudia Wood, DDS

Ivory Dental · 1300 Kingston Road Unit #3, Pickering, ON · (905) 839-9663

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