Staying on top of your oral health is more than just brushing and flossing. You also need to see your dentist on a regular basis. The dentist has several tools and procedures that he or she can use to help improve your oral health, including a teeth cleaning. If you have not had a teeth cleaning in your dentist's office, here is what you need to know about the procedure.  

Why Is a Teeth Cleaning Important? 

A teeth cleaning is more than just a cleaning. It is used to evaluate your current oral health. The dentist will look for signs of periodontal disease and determine if further treatment is needed. The dentist will also remove tartar that might have built up at your gum line.  

During the cleaning, you can also learn about areas in your mouth that might need more attention when you brush and floss. It is your chance to ask the dentist about other measures you can take at home to make sure your oral health is up to par.  

What Is a Deep Cleaning? 

In some instances, a dentist might decide a deeper cleaning of the teeth is necessary. A deep cleaning goes beyond the basic tartar removal and polish that comes with a standard teeth cleaning. The cleaning is divided into two parts that could potentially take more than one session to complete.  

In the first part, the dentist will remove any tartar and plaque that has built up on your teeth. He or she will also remove any of the substances that are beneath your gum line. The tartar and plaque beneath the gum line greatly increases your risk of developing periodontal disease.  

The second part of the dental cleaning involves smoothing the surface of your roots. If you have suffered from periodontal disease in the past, you know that inflammation is part of it. What you might not realize is that the inflammation can cause your gums to separate slightly from the teeth. The space or gap left is just enough to store pockets of harmful bacteria that can lead to infection. 

When the dentist smooths the gum surface, he or she is basically closing the pocket to keep bacteria out. Depending on the magnitude of the work that needs to be performed, the dentist might have to give you a local anesthesia.  

Your dentist will determine which type of cleaning is best for your situation and ensure you get the best care possible. Contact a dentist, like Robert J Bauder DMD, to get started.