The Disadvantages of Deep Cleaning Your Teeth

You might think you need to get your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months, but in reality, you’re probably doing more harm than good when you do so. Here are some of the disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth at the dentist and how to reduce that risk if you can’t give up this ritual just yet.

Deep cleaning has many disadvantages

First, it may cause tooth sensitivity and gum recession. Second, studies show that even if you eat at home and brush regularly, you can still get dental caries. The truth is deep cleaning is no longer a good idea because there are more benefits to daily brushing than a weekly session in front of your dental hygienist. If you feel that your teeth are stained or yellowed or have any other kind of aesthetic concern, make an appointment with your dentist; there are many ways to whiten teeth without having to undergo harsh treatments.

Unhealthy brushing habits

We all know that brushing is good for our teeth, but if you have bad habits it may be doing more harm than good. Brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush and scrubbing for too long can damage your enamel and make your gums recede. The healthiest way to clean your teeth is gently, with a soft-bristled brush and in small circular motions.

You should only spend 2 minutes at most on brushing; any longer could mean you’re causing damage or not getting everything covered in time. If you still want deep cleaning after reading about how damaging it can be, ask your dentist about hygienists who perform professional deep cleaning services. They use tools designed specifically for deep cleaning as well as techniques designed to protect healthy tissue from damage. Also: don’t forget regular flossing! It’s one of the best ways to keep those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth free from gunk buildup.

Brushing too hard

If you’re brushing too hard, you’re doing damage to your gums. Brushing too hard can also create a condition called abfraction, which occurs when enamel is worn off due to aggressive brushing. Abfraction in your mouth exposes sensitive inner tooth layers and can lead to sensitivity. You may think that if you brush harder, you’ll get whiter teeth or a cleaner mouth—but trust us, it doesn’t work that way. Instead, ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening or consider an at-home whitening system instead.

In any case, it’s best to leave teeth whitening up to professionals whenever possible. To avoid unnecessary dental bills in general, talk with your dental hygienist about alternative ways to cleanse your teeth without employing a full deep cleaning every six months. Sometimes just rinsing with water will do more than enough to freshen things up between appointments. Using antiseptic mouthwash on an as-needed basis (twice per day after meals) is another great alternative for fighting germs and bacteria that accumulate on your pearly whites during daily life. Use these products cautiously though: overuse can cause erosion of gum tissue and even dry out lips.

Time consuming

If you’re considering deep cleaning your teeth with lasers or other cosmetic dentistry techniques, you should know that it takes up a lot of time. Most procedures can require two or more visits and take two to three hours each visit. As such, if you are planning on deep cleaning your teeth and getting back to work right away, it may not be a good idea. If you want to consider using your lunch break to go in for an appointment every day, be sure to check with your boss first to make sure that is okay.

Professional etiquette is important when thinking about getting any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure done. Of course, speaking with someone who has had deep cleanings done before and doesn’t mind sharing how much time they spent doing that one thing will help too. You might even find they were happy they went through all of that hassle. And are glad they have better-looking teeth than their peers who don’t bother with keeping them pearly white. Everyone wants white teeth; it makes you feel better about yourself! It’s all about perspective!

Not good for sensitive gums

Due to its extreme power, deep cleaning can be very uncomfortable for people with sensitive gums. Most dental professionals agree that a technique called scaling is much better for people who have gum problems. However, if you have sensitive gums, it’s still possible to get your teeth deep cleaned. Ask your dentist to prescribe a topical anesthetic that will numb your gums before he or she starts in on them. Also be sure to floss or use another type of tool to clean your teeth every day between appointments; neglecting regular brushing and flossing will only make your mouth more susceptible to bacterial buildup and tooth decay.

Can harm enamel

If you have experienced sensitivity or tooth pain from deep cleaning, it’s most likely because your dentist has inadvertently caused damage to your enamel. Removing too much enamel can cause your teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks as well as more susceptible to developing cavities. The reduced level of protection that enamel provides also makes you vulnerable to dental decay, gum disease, and other problems. Another thing to consider is that while a little bit of plaque on your teeth isn’t inherently bad for you. Regular brushing twice a day along with flossing (and an occasional deep clean) will help keep things under control so that plaque buildup doesn’t occur. In short: think twice before going in for a deep clean!

Bad for people with braces, crowns or implants

In some cases, deep cleaning a tooth can actually be detrimental to your smile. If you have a crown, implant or braces (which all cover a tooth’s enamel). Removing plaque could actually cause damage if you try to do it at home. Before seeking out teeth-cleaning services. Make sure that they are safe for you and. Your unique smile by asking questions like How will my condition be treated? and What type of teeth-cleaning product(s) will be used? The American Dental Association says that unless you really know what you’re doing (i.e., have formal training). It’s best to leave things up to your dentist.