5 Disadvantages of Deep Cleaning Your Teeth

 

Deep cleaning your teeth can seem like an easy and effective way to ensure you’re always maintaining strong oral health, but it may not be as helpful as you think. Instead of reaching for your toothbrush to remove tartar buildup, plaque, and bacteria from your teeth every day, these 5 disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth will help you understand why you might want to only deep clean once or twice per month instead.

1) Scaling Damages Your Enamel

To deep clean your teeth, you are using an abrasive instrument or toothbrush. This is damaging to your enamel and could result in sensitivity if you do it too often. Damaged enamel is more susceptible to bacteria, and over time your teeth will become discolored due to surface staining. You should brush at least twice a day to minimize damage to your teeth; a toothbrush with soft bristles and a rounded head can minimize surface damage during cleaning. If possible, schedule regular dental visits so that an expert can complete any deep cleanings for you.

2) Over-the-Counter Products Are Often Toxic

Typically, when you visit your dentist, they’ll take a look at your teeth and gums, make note of any potential problems, and then develop a treatment plan. At that point, they’ll give you a list of what to buy at home for taking care of your teeth (e.g., toothpaste or floss). The problem is that some over-the-counter products contain ingredients that are toxic to our teeth. And if you’re using them regularly, you could actually be doing more harm than good in terms of your oral health. That’s why it’s important to know what ingredients to avoid if you want to ensure that products purchased at home don’t do more harm than good.

3) Fluoride Can Irritate Sensitive Gums

If you have sensitive gums, deep cleaning your teeth may leave you feeling inflamed. In fact, brushing your teeth and flossing too hard can injure your gums. If you have very sensitive gums and a dental professional has recommended toothpaste with fluoride, use it sparingly to avoid an irritated mouth. It’s best to choose a toothpaste without fluoride if you have very sensitive gums. The Toothbrush Technique is Harder on Braces: Since braces are delicate, many dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush when deep cleaning teeth. However, traditional toothbrushes are harder on braces than electric ones or water picks. Using these products instead of standard brushes makes it easier to prevent additional damage as you deep clean your teeth. Brushing Too Hard Damages Healthy Enamel: The key to healthy teeth is enamel—it’s what protects us from cavities and protects our roots from sensitivity caused by cold drinks or sweet treats that stick around in our mouths for longer than we want them to.

4) Removal of Stains May Do More Harm Than Good

Research has shown that removing stains from teeth can actually do more harm than good. That’s because tooth enamel—the hard outer shell of your teeth—contains minerals called hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite. When you remove stains, you strip away some of these minerals, leaving your teeth weaker and more susceptible to decay. To keep your pearly whites white, consider alternative methods like whitening toothpaste or a professional at-home bleaching kit. Because it only removes surface stains, home bleaching can be done safely every few months without risking mineral loss. And for those pesky deep stains? Consider asking your dentist about laser treatment instead.

5) Long Periodontal Treatments Are Painful

For those who have extreme periodontal disease, deep cleaning may be required to restore teeth to a healthy state. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up under gums, resulting in inflammation and tooth decay. While deep cleaning is necessary for proper oral health and can slow or reverse damage that has already occurred, it’s also invasive and can cause long-term discomfort. Additionally, deep cleanings require multiple visits over an extended period of time. So if you’re in pain or dislike having your mouth probed by a dental instrument for long periods at a time, consider other methods for improving your oral health care.