Keeping your teeth clean is very important for your oral health. When you visit a dentist near you, you may hear the words regular cleaning and deep cleaning, but many people are not sure what they mean. Both treatments help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. However, they are not the same.
In this blog, we will explain the difference between deep cleaning vs. dental cleaning, when you may need each one, and why visiting a dentist near you for dental cleanings is important for a healthy smile.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
Your mouth has bacteria all the time. When you eat, bacteria mix with food and form a sticky layer called plaque. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into a deposit called tartar (also called calculus).
Plaque and tartar can cause:
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Gingivitis (early gum disease)
- Periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
- Bad breath
Even if you brush and floss daily, some areas are hard to clean at home. That is why professional dental cleanings near you are needed.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
| Feature | Regular Cleaning | Deep Cleaning |
| Dental Term | Prophylaxis | Scaling and Root Planing |
| Purpose | Prevent gum disease | Treat gum disease |
| Area Cleaned | Above gum line | Below gum line |
| Time Needed | Short visit | Longer visit, may need 2 appointments |
| Anesthesia | Usually not needed | Often needed |
Both treatments are done by a dentist but they are used for different conditions.
Regular Cleaning
A regular cleaning is also called prophylaxis. This is the most common type of dental cleaning.
What Happens During Regular Cleaning?
During this visit, the dental professional will:
- Remove plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth
- Clean around the gum line.
- Polish the teeth
- Sometimes apply fluoride
This cleaning focuses on the area above the gum line.
Who Needs Regular Cleaning?
Most people who have healthy gums need regular cleaning every 6 months. It helps prevent gum disease and keeps your teeth strong. If your gums are pink, firm, and do not bleed much, regular cleaning is usually enough.
Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning is different. The dental term is scaling and root planing.
This treatment is needed when gum disease has already started.
What Happens During Deep Cleaning?
In deep cleaning, the dentist will:
- Remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line
- Clean deep pockets around the teeth
- Smooth the root surfaces (root planing)
When gum disease is present, the gums pull away from the teeth. This creates spaces called periodontal pockets. Bacteria grow in these pockets. Deep cleaning removes bacteria from these deep areas.
Local anesthesia is often used to keep you comfortable.
Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning
Your dentist near you may suggest deep cleaning if you have:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen or red gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Deep gum pockets (measured during exam)
The dentist measures the space between your teeth and gums using a small tool. If the pocket is deeper than usual, deep cleaning may be needed.
Why Deep Cleaning Is Important
If gum disease is not treated, it can damage the bone that supports your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss.
Deep cleaning helps:
- Reduce inflammation
- Stop infection
- Help gums reattach to teeth.
- Protect the jawbone
It is a non-surgical treatment that, in many cases, controls gum disease.
Aftercare for Both Treatments
After regular cleaning, you may feel your teeth are smooth and clean. You can return to normal activities right away.
After deep cleaning, you may feel:
- Mild soreness
- Tooth sensitivity
- Slight swelling
These symptoms usually improve in a few days. Good oral hygiene at home is essential after treatment.
Your dentist may also suggest:
- Antibacterial mouthwash
- More frequent cleanings
- Follow-up visits
How Often Should You Get Dental Cleanings?
For most people, visiting a dentist near you every 6 months for dental cleanings is enough.
However, if you have gum disease, you may need cleanings every 3 to 4 months. This is called periodontal maintenance.
Your dentist will decide what is best based on your oral health.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: Which One Do You Need?
The answer depends on your gum health.
- If your gums are healthy → Regular Cleaning
- If you have gum disease → Deep Cleaning
Only a dental exam and X-rays can confirm which treatment is proper for you.
The good news is that both treatments help protect your teeth and gums. Early care can prevent bigger dental problems in the future.
If you are searching for dental cleanings near you, it is essential to choose a trusted dental clinic that carefully assesses your gum health and explains your treatment clearly.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your teeth is simple when you understand your options. Whether you need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning, early treatment keeps your smile healthy for years. Regular visits and good home care make a big difference in your oral health.
Call Rusholme Family Dentistry Today!
Rusholme Family Dentistry provides complete dental care. Our team offers exams, digital X-rays, dental cleanings, and more in a safe and comfortable setting. We focus on preventive dentistry and patient education to protect your oral health. Call Rusholme Family Dentistry today to book your appointment.
FAQ
Can regular cleaning treat gum disease?
No. Regular cleaning only cleans above the gum line. Gum disease requires deep cleaning to remove bacteria below the gum line.
Will my gums grow back after deep cleaning?
Gums may become healthier and tighter after treatment, but they do not fully return to their original state.
How can I avoid deep cleaning in the future?
Brush twice daily, floss daily, and visit your dentist near you every 6 months for professional dental cleanings.