You brush twice a day and even floss sometimes, but your teeth still don’t feel truly clean. Hidden plaque and tartar may be silently damaging your gums and creating the perfect conditions for cavities.
It is frustrating to think your best efforts at home might not be enough. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone in needing extra help.
Getting a professional dental cleaning in SW Calgary could be the protective step your smile needs to avoid future dental problems. Here’s everything you should know before sitting in that dental chair.
What Makes Regular Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar in areas you can’t reach.
It is not possible to remove tartar at home; that’s why routine dental cleanings are essential, not just for a whiter smile, but for preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. A cleaning is not just a polish, but it is a deep reset for your oral health.
What Are the Main Dental Cleaning Types?
Various alternatives are available when a dental cleaning is done based on various conditions. The most prevalent types of dental cleaning are discussed below:
Prophylaxis Cleaning
This is the standard cleaning most people get during routine checkups. It targets plaque, tartar, and surface stains and is recommended every six months for patients with healthy gums.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
For patients with early signs of gum disease, this cleaning goes beneath the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar buildup from tooth roots. It can stop the progression of gingivitis before it becomes more serious.
Gross Debridement Cleaning
If it’s been years since your last cleaning and there’s heavy tartar buildup, this is the first step to clear the way for a more detailed evaluation.
Periodontal Maintenance
After deep cleaning or gum disease treatment, this ongoing cleaning helps keep infection from returning. It is more frequent than regular cleanings, typically every three to four months.
Understanding these dental cleaning types helps ensure you’re getting the right care for your needs.
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Every professional teeth cleaning follows a step-by-step process that is gentle, thorough, and effective:
- Initial Exam: Your hygienist examines your teeth and gums for signs of plaque, inflammation, or decay.
- Scaling: Special tools are used to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth, especially around the gum line.
- Polishing: A high-powered brush smoothens the teeth to reduce future buildup.
- Flossing & Fluoride: You’ll receive a deep floss and optional fluoride treatment to protect enamel.
By the end of the cleaning, your mouth feels fresher and your smile looks noticeably brighter.
How Often Should You Get a Cleaning?
Most dentists recommend a cleaning every six months, but it may vary based on your oral health.
If you’ve had gum issues or dental restorations, a dentist in SW Calgary might suggest more frequent visits to stay ahead of potential problems.
Who Needs Dental Cleanings the Most?
- Smokers or tobacco users
- Patients with diabetes
- Individuals with a history of gum disease
- Anyone with braces or dental implants
Even if your teeth seem healthy, regular cleanings can catch issues early, before they become painful or expensive.
Delaying Care Leads to Bigger Problems
Avoiding dental visits may seem harmless, but tartar doesn’t wait. If left untreated, it invites cavities, gum infections, and even tooth loss. The longer you put off care, the worse the damage, and the harder it is to reverse.
Ignoring the signs of tartar buildup or bleeding gums can turn minor problems into major ones.
Dental cleaning isn’t just about having a bright smile; it’s about protecting your long-term health.
Act now before that small discomfort turns into irreversible damage. Choose to stay ahead of oral health issues.
What You Skip Can Cost You
Schedule your cleaning with Heritage Park Dental today; your future self will thank you.
