Deep dental cleaning, which is also known as, tooth scaling is one of the most important and common reasons why you should not be skipping your regular dental checks. It is also one of the key elements in maintaining a healthy and on par oral health.

What you probably didn’t know is that there are a number of different levels of dental cleaning as sometimes a simple and standard cleaning does not simply  do the job. Like what if for whatever reason the bacteria has gotten below your gum line? In this case a normal dental cleaning is no longer an effective option and your dentist or hygienist must attend to deep dental cleaning.

In this blog we are going to take a look at what deep dental cleaning is and who is a good candidate for it. Now let’s get started.

What is Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning is a very common but professional procedure that is often carried out by a dental hygienist or dentist to get rid of the plaque, tartar and stains on the teeth. While brushing and flossing are the first steps in keeping your mouth free from bacteria and plaque, there are times that they get away and remain on your teeth. Overtime, they are in contact with other minerals from your saliva and so get hard and stick to your teeth. These can even cause severe cavities if not removed fast. 

During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist uses special tools to remove these from above and below your gum lines and polish your teeth. Holistic dentists such as Dr. Maryam Horiyat do this procedure without using toxic material such as fluoride to keep you holistically safe while achieving the necessary results. 

More on holistic dentistry here.

What is Deep Dental Cleaning?

Also known as scaling and root planing, deep dental cleaning comes into play when there is tartar build up under the gum lines. This is inside of the gums where the teeth are sitting. These plaque and tartar buildups can go all the way down to near the roots of your teeth. This means that deep dental cleaning does not just focus on the surface of the teeth but it goes much further.

It is also one of the most common treatments when it comes to gum disease. Depending on your periodontist’s decision, deep dental cleaning may be a whole treatment on its own or a first step for getting all the plaque and tartar out of the way to prepare the area for further treatment.

There are usually 2 steps in this procedure.

Firstly in the first step your dentist or hygienist will attend to the surface of your teeth removing any plaque or tartar that are stuck there. This however does not end there. They will then start attending the deeper surfaces of the teeth especially below the gumline and in the periodontal pockets. Special tools, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, are used to clean deeply around the tooth roots where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.

Once that is out of the way, your dentist or hygienist will get to the second step which is root planing. In this stage your dentist will start to smoothen the surface of the teeth roots. This step is very crucial as it is harder for the tartar to stick to smooth surfaces. This also helps with gum inflammation and bleeding and promotes healing the gum tissues.

How is Deep Dental Cleaning Different From Normal Dental Cleaning?

You might think that all dental cleanings are the same—but here’s where it gets interesting. Deep dental cleaning and regular dental cleaning are actually two very different things, and each one serves a unique purpose in keeping your mouth healthy.

A regular dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is what you get during your routine dental checkups. It’s meant to maintain your oral health by cleaning off surface-level plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth—basically everything that lives above the gum line. It’s quick, preventive, and perfect for people with healthy gums.

But deep dental cleaning, or tooth scaling and root planing, is a more advanced procedure. It’s not just about cleaning what you can see—it goes deep under your gums to remove bacteria, tartar, and plaque that have built up around your tooth roots. This type of cleaning is usually recommended if your gums are showing signs of infection or disease, like bleeding, swelling, or recession. It’s more thorough and may require local anesthesia or more than one visit, depending on how advanced the problem is.

So, while regular cleanings are great for upkeep, deep dental cleaning is what you need when things have already gone a bit off track below the surface.

How is Holistic Dental Cleaning Different From Conventional Dental Cleaning?

In this video Dr. Maryam Horiyat is shedding light on the differences between holistic and conventional dental cleaning. This is for you to understand why you should always opt for holistic dentistry even in procedures that may seem common and simple to you as a patient. In this video you will see that how holistic dentistry is key in dental cleaning and gum disease treatment.

Who is The Right Candidate for Deep Dental Cleaning?

Great question—and one that many people don’t think to ask. You might assume deep dental cleaning is something everyone gets, but the truth is, not everyone needs it. So, who does?

A good candidate for deep dental cleaning is someone who’s showing early to moderate signs of gum disease. Think red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gums that are starting to pull away from the teeth (what we call gum recession). If your dentist or hygienist checks and finds that you have deep periodontal pockets—those hidden spaces between your teeth and gums where bacteria love to hide—then you’re likely in need of this treatment.

People who haven’t been to the dentist in a long time are also common candidates. Why? Because over time, plaque hardens into tartar and starts slipping below the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. At that point, a standard cleaning just won’t cut it.

In short, if your gums are inflamed, bleeding, or receding, or if your X-rays show bone loss around your teeth, your dentist may recommend deep dental cleaning to stop the progression of gum disease and help your mouth get back on a healthier track.

Conclusion

To wrap it all up, deep dental cleaning isn’t something everyone needs—but when you do, it’s absolutely essential. It goes beyond the surface to tackle the hidden bacteria and buildup that can lead to serious gum issues if left untreated. Whether it’s been a while since your last dental visit or you’ve started noticing signs like bleeding gums or bad breath, getting evaluated for deep cleaning might just be the first step toward restoring your oral health. Remember, healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile—and deep dental cleaning is one of the most effective ways to protect them.