Dental cleanings are crucial if you want to have great oral health since they assist with removing tartar, plaque, and bacteria. However, there is actually more than one type of dental cleaning, with each one serving its own unique purpose. Here is what you need to know about the four types of dental cleanings.

Routine Cleaning

Your dentist will refer to a routine cleaning as a prophylaxis cleaning, and it is what you typically get when you go to the dentist for your semi-annual inspection. The goal of this cleaning is to remove stains from your teeth, loosen the tartar that has hardened on the surface, and replace plaque that has been recently missed by brushing. Your teeth are also polished to make them shine nicely afterward. 

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning also goes by the name scaling and root planing. It is a special type of dental cleaning that is only used when people have issues with plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. It is common for your teeth to be numbed so that the dentist can get deep beneath the gums to remove all the tartar that can contribute to gum disease. Deep cleaning can help keep the roots of your teeth in good health, prevent inflammation, and promote good oral health. 

Be aware that a deep cleaning can be quite intense, and will often involve numbing your mouth. This can involve having a deep cleaning done over two trips to the dentist so that your entire mouth is not numb afterward. 

Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning

If you are more susceptible to gum disease and have had a deep cleaning, it is likely that you'll need to return to the dentist more frequently for a periodontal maintenance cleaning. This is a big difference from routine cleaning since the goal is to prevent gum disease from forming due to increased tartar buildup. The dentist will also assess your gums for signs of an infection or inflammation. 

Cosmetic Cleaning

It's possible to get a cosmetic cleaning if you are just concerned about the overall appearance of your teeth. You may have a big day coming up, such as a wedding or photo shoot, and want to make sure your teeth look perfect. The goal is to remove visible surface stains from the teeth, such as those caused by drinking coffee and dark juices. Gentle abrasion is used to remove surface stains, and then the teeth are polished to give them a nice shine. 

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