The Difference Between Teeth Cleaning and Deep Cleaning

Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for a healthy, confident smile. But when it comes to dental cleanings, do you know the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning? Many people don’t! Understanding what each cleaning involves can help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid gum problems down the road. Let’s break it down in simple terms. 

What Is a Regular Teeth Cleaning? 

A regular cleaning, or scaling, is your standard dental appointment for maintaining good oral health. Here’s what happens: 

Ultrasonic Removal of Plaque and Calculus (Tartar): Bacterial buildup from the surface of your teeth and along the gumline is removed with our ultrasonic piezo unit.

Hand Scaling of Calculus: A second, more detailed round of cleaning to remove smaller calculus and to clean between your teeth.

Polishing: After cleaning, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling smooth and fresh. 

Fluoride Treatment (Optional): Sometimes, fluoride is applied to protect your teeth from cavities. This is especially important in children who may be at higher risk of cavities.

Who Needs Regular Cleanings? How Often Do I Need a Cleaning?

In North America, our standard for cleaning if your gums are healthy and you don’t have signs of gum disease is a regular cleaning every 6 months. If the arrangement of your teeth makes it particularly difficult to clean, we may recommend a regular cleaning every 4 months. 

For patients with periodontal (gum) disease, we recommend a regular cleaning every 3 months to reduce further bone loss around the teeth. Just like with heart disease, patients who have had periodontal disease before are more likely to have periodontal disease again.

What Is a Deep Cleaning? 

A deep cleaning, also known as active periodontal treatment, is a more advanced procedure used to treat gum disease. Periodontal disease cannot be treated with only a regular cleaning.  

Here’s how it works: 

Plaque and tartar are removed from deep below the gumline, where bacteria can cause infection.The roots of your teeth are smoothed to help your gums heal and reattach to your teeth. This type of cleaning may require multiple visits and may also include a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable. 

Who Needs a Deep Cleaning? 

If you have signs of periodontal (gum) disease—like red, swollen gums, bad breath, or deep pockets greater than 3mm between your teeth and gums—a deep cleaning is a key step to restore your oral health. Your dentist will inform you if you need a deep cleaning due to periodontal disease. 

Key Differences Between Regular and Deep Cleanings 

1. Depth of Cleaning: Regular cleanings focus on the surface, while deep cleanings target areas deep below the gumline.

2. Purpose: Regular cleanings prevent periodontal (gum) disease; deep cleanings help to fix periodontal (gum) disease

3. Time Required: A regular cleaning is done in one visit, while deep cleanings may take more than one visit

4. Cost: Deep cleanings tend to be more costly due to their complexity. 

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Deep Cleaning Done?

If you have periodontal disease and you don’t have deep cleaning done, your periodontal disease will continue to get worse, and you will keep losing bone around your teeth. The calculus that is more than 3mm below the gums cannot be removed with only a regular cleaning. Bacteria will keep building up where you cannot keep it clean, and the gums will never heal completely. We need enough time to be able to remove all the bacteria and calculus to allow your gums to heal.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters 

Understanding these two types of cleanings can help you make informed choices about your dental care. Treating periodontal disease early with a deep cleaning can save you from more serious problems in the future. 

Book Your Next Cleaning at ALFIE Dentistry 

Whether you need a regular cleaning or something more advanced, the team at ALFIE Dentistry is here to help. Our experienced dentists and hygienists provide personalized care to keep your smile bright and healthy. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step toward better oral health!