A desire for “deep clean” teeth often stems from wanting a thorough, professional cleaning that removes stubborn buildup. The term “deep cleaning” is used both colloquially for a comprehensive hygiene appointment and clinically for a specific therapeutic procedure. The clinical procedure, officially known as Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), is not a routine cleaning but a treatment for periodontal disease, a condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. Understanding this difference is important for maintaining optimal oral health.
Professional Deep Cleaning: The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
When gum disease progresses past the initial stage of gingivitis, Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is recommended. This therapeutic procedure addresses infection below the gum line, where regular cleaning cannot reach. SRP is performed when gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, forming pockets measured to be greater than three or four millimeters deep.
The procedure is generally conducted in two phases, often requiring local anesthesia for patient comfort. The first step, scaling, involves removing hardened plaque, known as calculus or tartar, from the tooth surfaces and deep inside the periodontal pockets. Dental professionals use specialized tools, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, to dislodge these bacterial deposits.
Following scaling, the second phase is root planing, which involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. This smoothing process discourages future bacterial accumulation, as plaque and tartar adhere easily to rough surfaces. Root planing allows the gum tissue to reattach more firmly to the cleaned root surface, reducing the depth of the periodontal pockets. The goal of this non-surgical treatment is to eliminate bacterial toxins, reduce inflammation, and halt the progression of periodontitis.
Deep Cleaning Versus Routine Cleanings
The difference between a true deep cleaning (SRP) and a routine professional cleaning, or prophylaxis, lies primarily in purpose, location, and frequency. A routine cleaning is a preventative measure intended for patients with healthy gums, designed to remove plaque and tartar above the gum line. These appointments are typically scheduled every six months to maintain health and prevent the onset of gum disease.
The deep cleaning procedure, in contrast, is a therapeutic treatment prescribed only after a diagnosis of periodontitis is made. This procedure targets the infection and calculus buildup that resides below the gum line, within the deepened periodontal pockets. Because of its invasive nature and focus on treating an active disease, SRP is often performed quadrant by quadrant over multiple visits.
Routine cleanings focus on the visible surfaces and the shallow area just beneath the gum margin. They are quick and generally painless, requiring no anesthesia. SRP is significantly more involved, penetrating deep to the root surfaces to smooth them and remove bacterial toxins.
Essential Daily Habits for Optimal Tooth Cleanliness
Achieving and maintaining the cleanest possible teeth starts with consistent daily hygiene practices at home, which prevent the need for therapeutic procedures like SRP. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush is foundational for removing plaque from the tooth surfaces. Use small, gentle circular motions, ensuring you cover the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Daily interdental cleaning is equally important, as a toothbrush cannot effectively reach the surfaces between teeth where plaque and food particles hide. Using dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser once a day helps to disrupt the bacterial biofilm below the gum line. This action is paramount for preventing the inflammation that can lead to periodontal disease.
Incorporating a therapeutic mouthwash can also supplement mechanical cleaning by reaching areas that brushing and flossing might miss. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can help reduce the overall bacterial load in the mouth and manage bad breath. These habits work together to sustain the results of any professional cleaning, keeping the gums healthy and the tooth surfaces smooth.