A dental deep cleaning (sometimes called gum therapy) cleans the teeth and gums down to the roots when tartar builds up below the gumline. Unlike a routine cleaning, the goal isn’t just maintenance. Instead, it’s to treat gum disease and help stop it from getting worse. During a deep cleaning, your hygienist or dentist cleans the tooth surface, the gumline, and the sides of the teeth. In addition, they remove tartar that sits below the gums, reaching areas a toothbrush can’t. That’s why this treatment is also called scaling and root planing, and in some cases it may take more than one visit.
🔎 What’s The Difference?
Your mouth collects bacteria and plaque every day. That’s why consistent brushing and cleaning between teeth matters. Routine exams and cleanings remove plaque before it hardens into tartar—especially near the gumline, which many people miss during daily brushing.
However, when buildup and inflammation go deeper, gums may become red, swollen, and easier to bleed. If you ignore it, the infection can progress into periodontal disease, which affects the gum and bone support around your teeth.
To check for deeper infection, your team considers X-rays and pocket depth readings. So, when you hear numbers like 4, 5, or 6, those measurements often point to deeper gum pockets and a need for action. That’s when a dental deep cleaning becomes the right next step.
In short:
- Regular Cleaning: preventive maintenance.
- Dental Deep Cleaning: helps control periodontal disease progression.
✅ Do I Really Need a Dental Deep Cleaning?
Only your dentist or hygienist can confirm it. Common signs include pocket depths of 4 mm or more. You may also notice frequent bleeding or gum swelling. In addition, tartar can build up below the gumline.
If you delay treatment, bacteria can keep building up. Over time, that can lead to more tartar and bone-support loss. That’s why, when your provider recommends a dental deep cleaning, it’s best to treat it as early intervention. Don’t “wait it out.”
Want to achieve a brighter smile? Contact Smiles for Health today! We want to help take your smile to the next level with our wellness dental care.
