Jill had to attend an important meeting, and she noticed her bad breath. And she just said – Wow, just wow. Her career is at stake due to this embarrassing situation. She is cursing God? But, why?
She, herself is the root cause of this problem, not the guy sitting up. She didn’t take care of her teeth and avoided dental checkups. So she is bound to face this. Now she is finding ways to cover her bad breath.
Don’t be like Jill. If you face such problems, it is a sign you need dental deep cleaning. Let’s explore the key signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional help for your oral health.
The Signs Indicating Dental Deep Cleaning
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Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed every time you brush or floss, it’s usually a sign of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. This happens when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, starts to build up around your teeth and gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious conditions called periodontitis.
Bleeding gums are not normal. It’s your body’s way of telling that bacteria are irritating your gum tissues. Regular cleaning might help in the early stages, but once tartar hardens below the gum line, a dental deep cleaning is often needed to stop the disease from worsening.
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Gum Recession
Gum recession happens when your gums pull back from your teeth, exposing the roots. This is often a sign of gum disease and can make your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay.
The main cause of gum recession is a bacterial infection that damages the gum tissue. A dental deep cleaning can help by removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line, which promotes healing and can slow down or stop the recession from degrading.
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Loose Tooth
As gum diseases progress, it can weaken your gums and bones, which can make your teeth feel loose. In severe cases, untreated gum diseases can even lead to tooth loss. If you notice your teeth shifting, wiggling, or feeling loose, it’s important to see your dentist right away.
A deep cleaning can help by removing the bacteria causing the infection, allowing your gums to reattach to your teeth and stabilize them. However, if the gum disease is advanced, additional treatments like surgery may be needed.
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Pockets Between Teeth and Gums
During regular dental check-ups, your dentist or hygienist will measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums usually have pocket depths of 1 to 3 millimeters. If these pockets get deeper – typically 4 millimeters or more – it’s a sign of gum disease.
Dental deep cleaning is the key to treating these periodontal pockets. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots, helping your gums reattach and reduce pocket depth. This process helps stop the disease from getting worse.
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A Buildup of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. If you don’t remove it regularly, it hardens into tartar, which is tougher to remove and can only be removed by the dentist.
When tartar builds up, it creates a rough surface that traps more bacteria, leading to gum irritation and disease. If your dentist sees a lot of tartar, especially below the gum line, they might suggest a deep cleaning to get rid of it and help restore your gum health.
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Food Getting Stuck Between Teeth
If food frequently gets stuck between your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease or shifting teeth due to gum recession. When gums recede, they create small spaces where food easily gets trapped, leading to bacterial growth and worsening gum disease.
A dental deep cleaning can help by removing bacteria and smoothing your teeth surfaces, allowing your gums to reattach and close those gaps. This also reduces the chances of food getting stuck in the future, keeping your gums healthier.
The Importance Of Preventive Care
Even if you don’t see any of these signs, regular dental checkups are really important for your oral health. Preventive care can help you avoid more intensive treatments, like deep cleanings, by catching issues early on. During your visit, your dentist can assess your gum health and share helpful tips for keeping your smile healthy between appointments.
What to Expect During A Dental Deep Cleaning
If your dentist determines you need dental deep cleaning, the procedure will typically be done in 2 parts – scaling and root planing.
- Scaling – It involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, particularly in the areas below the gum line. This helps eliminate the bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Root Planing – It smooths out the root surfaces of your tooth, which makes it harder for the plaque to adhere and helps the gum to reattach the teeth.
Depending on the severity of the gum disease, your dentist may numb the area being treated to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Afterward, your gums may feel a bit tender or swollen, but this should subside in a few days.
Post Cleaning Care
After a dental deep cleaning, good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent gum disease from coming back. Regular check-ups and following your dentist’s advice will help you smile healthy and ensure you maintain great oral health for the long term:
- Brush and Floss Daily – Use a soft bristle and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and gums gently. Use floss between teeth to remove any trapped food particles.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash – This helps reduce bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid Smoking – Tobacco use can hinder healing and increase your risk of gum disease recurrence.
- Follow Your Dentist’s Advice – If your dentist suggests follow-up visits or specific products to use, adhere to their recommendations to maintain optimal oral health.
Conclusion
Keep an eye out for signs that you might need a dental deep cleaning is vital for your oral health. Regular check-ups and preventive care can save you from more serious issues down the line. Remember, maintaining good habits at home and following your dentist’s advice will help keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come!
