Dental Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

Not all cleanings are the same. While a routine dental cleaning helps maintain oral health, other types target early or advanced gum issues. Knowing which applies to you depends on what’s happening below the surface.

Routine Dental Cleaning: Preventive and Essential

A regular cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is meant for healthy mouths. It focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth above the gumline. Hygienists use specialized tools to clean those hard-to-reach spots, followed by polishing for a smooth finish. These visits are recommended every six months and are key to preventing problems before they start.

Routine cleanings don’t just help your smile look good—they also help lower your risk of cavities and early gum issues. Plus, they give your dentist a chance to check for anything unusual.

Gingivitis Cleaning: Catching Early Signs

If pockets measure around 4mm and there’s inflammation but no bone loss, you may be dealing with gingivitis. This is the earliest stage of gum disease. In this case, Southern Dental Munford may recommend a gingivitis cleaning—a treatment more involved than a standard cleaning, but not as extensive as a deep cleaning.

Gingivitis cleanings are targeted at reversing early gum inflammation. They may involve additional time or more focused cleaning around inflamed areas. With consistent care, gums at this stage often return to health.

Deep Cleaning: When Gum Disease Progresses

Pocket depths of 5mm or more often suggest the presence of periodontal disease. At this stage, bacteria and tartar have moved beneath the gumline, and bone loss may have started. X-rays often confirm this progression.

A deep cleaning—scaling and root planing—is recommended to clean these deep pockets. It focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from periodontal “pockets” beneath the gum line. This helps the gums reattach and lowers the bacterial load, while reducing inflammation.

Targeted Gum Care at Southern Dental Munford in Munford, TN

At Southern Dental Munford, Dr. Cheryl Bird uses tools like pocket depth measurements and digital X-rays to decide what level of care your gums need. Whether you need a regular cleaning, gingivitis treatment, or deep cleaning, we tailor your visit to support lasting oral health. Call our office today to schedule your exam and take the next step toward a healthier smile.

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Categorised in: Gum Health, Preventive Dental Care