Teeth Cleaning FAQ

Dental deep cleaning involves the practices of gum therapy. In this procedure, a dentist cleans the front, back, sides of the tooth and also the roots. This process is very helpful to remove tartar and other build-up on the teeth especially in those hard to reach areas and below the gumline.

After the teeth deep cleaning procedure, a patient may feel some discomfort and teeth sensitivity for up to a week. The gums may get swollen, tender and bleed. Your doctor may prescribe some medicines to control the pain and to help the healing faster.

You should eat a soft diet like pasta, warm soups, scrambled eggs, cheese, macaroni, soft cooked rice, bananas, mashed potatoes, lean meats, soft vegetables, etc. and drink plenty of fluids.

Even though you brush regularly (twice a day), dental floss is the best way to remove plaque between your teeth. Dental flossing / rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash is a very useful practice in preventing plaque formation.

A toothbrush is the most important dental cleaning equipment used. Some of the common foods and drinks such as peroxide, baking soda, green tea, vitamin D, eucalyptus, menthol, tea tree oil, Xylitol gum, and lozenges can help aid in cleaning the teeth effectively.

Avoid foods that are hard, spicy, sticky, crunchy, cold and acidic in nature. Avoid smoking.

Regular cleaning focuses on polishing the outer surface above the gum line, deep cleaning removes the plaque, tartar, bacteria from the roots of the teeth.

Dental cleaning includes the procedures such as tooth scaling, polishing and tartar debridement. The final goal is to remove the deposits and stains on your teeth and make your teeth clean.

Regular teeth cleanings are done as a part of preventative care routines whereas the periodontal maintenance addresses the existing problems related to your periodontal (gum) oral health.

Sensitivity is the major cause of pain or discomfort after a professional teeth cleaning procedure. The dental root area is extremely sensitive. Heat, cold and pressure can induce tooth sensitivity.

Teeth sensitivity can occur when the layer beneath your enamel gets exposed to receding gums. During the teeth cleaning procedure, a dental practitioner may use tools to contact the sensitive areas of your teeth. Typically these areas can be desensitized with the use of fluoride toothpaste.

Regular teeth cleaning is very important for preventing gum disease, bad breath prevention, early oral cancer detection, lower the risk of heart disease, and prevention from cavities, tartar and plaque.

Professional dentists recommend patients to have teeth cleaning procedures once or twice a year.

A teeth cleaning process can take approximately 30 minutes to one hour of time.

Follow a methodical daily regime of brushing and flossing and visit your dental professional at the recommended intervals for your next professional cleaning.

Baking soda is not a permanent replacement for toothpaste. When used as a toothpaste baking soda is more effective than a standard toothpaste for removing yellow stains from teeth.

Dental deep cleaning is necessary in the case of tartar formation, increase in oral bacteria, bleeding gums, halitosis, and unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Routine oral care, teeth cleaning and emergency procedures can be done at any time during pregnancy. All elective oral care procedures should not be performed in the pregnancy period.

No, after the dental cleaning process, your gums may be a little sore due to the inflammation caused by the initial plaque formation on teeth.

Yes. Dental cleaning is very helpful in removing the cavity-causing plaque.

Ultrasonic dental cleaning is a highly-advanced teeth cleaning method which uses high-frequency waves without damaging the enamel. The process uses vibration and a stream of pressurized water to remove calcifications and bacteria.

Laser dental cleaning uses computerized devices that deliver a powerful beam of light. Dental lasers can be very useful in removing plaque, unwanted deposits on the teeth, tooth decay and gum infections. The process is also known as periodontal laser therapy.

Use desensitizing toothpaste to minimize the tenderness and sensitivity. Gargle with warm saltwater solution to keep the gums clean and reduce swelling. Your doctor may prescribe pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.