When people hear the words “dental cleaning,” they assume that this means daily brushing along with flossing. These are no doubt important, but you will need more cleaning for a healthy mouth. This is why you should undergo professional dental cleaning at least twice annually to keep gum disease at bay and boost the strength of your teeth. Gums hold your teeth in place, and their health is crucial for your oral health. Even if your teeth are pearly white, gum disease results in the loosening and loss of your teeth.
A dental implant from your Scottsdale dentist is your next choice after losing a tooth. While it’s available in many dental practices, it would still be best to know the several levels of dental cleaning based on the condition of your gums and teeth. Here’s what to expect from these cleaning levels:
Standard Cleaning
This is a general dental clean that removes tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth. The hygienist, in this case, will first use a scaler to scrape off the tartar that has accumulated on your teeth before using a rubber brush to polish and smooth your teeth. This polish makes the future accumulation of tartar hard and adds a shiny element to your smile. Flossing is also done to ensure no bacteria is left behind, and the cleaning ends with fluoride application to strengthen your dental enamel. Standard cleaning only includes your dental crowns and is indicated for those with healthy gums.
Full Mouth Debridement
This might be the ideal pick for those who have skipped their routine standard cleaning appointments. A full mouth debridement eliminates the excess calculus accumulation arising from a lack of professional cleaning. In this procedure, an electric scaler will be used to remove the tartar and plaque. In deep tartar accumulation, oral debridement will be needed for the dentist to evaluate your oral health status accurately.
Deep Cleaning 
This is meant for those who have gum disease. Deep cleaning will be used to eliminate bacteria, tartar, and debris that has accumulated below the gum line and compromised their gum’s health. This is an intensive clean that acts as the first-line choice for gum disease treatment though you might need further treatment based on the extent of your condition. Failure to remove the bacteria and tartar contributing to unhealthy gums will cause a worsening of gum inflammation and infection and eventual tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. Deep cleaning is generally done under local anesthesia.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning
This is meant for those who have undergone a deep clean and replaces standard cleanings. Periodontal maintenance cleaning is done every three months and focuses on your gums, jawbone, and dental roots. It forms part of your ongoing oral health assessment and keeps gum disease at bay.
Irrespective of your oral health status, there is a level of professional dental cleaning from the above that suits you. Though some people consider dental cleanings a waste of their insurance cover or money, it reduces your medical costs. By averting gum disease and keeping your mouth in top shape, you will prevent serious systemic infections that will cost thousands of dollars to manage.