You can keep your teeth clean at home, but you cannot safely “deep clean” them yourself. A deep cleaning—also called scaling and root planing—is a clinical procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove hardened tartar and bacteria below the gumline.
At Arrow Dental Arts, our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend a personalized approach: consistent home care plus regular professional cleanings, and deep cleaning only when gum health requires it.
What “deep cleaning” really means
It’s easy to confuse everyday brushing with a true deep cleaning. Here’s the difference:
- Routine home care: Brushing, flossing, water flossing, and mouthwash remove soft plaque on a daily basis. Essential—but it doesn’t remove hard tartar (calculus).
- Professional prophylaxis (regular cleaning): Performed at your check-ups to remove plaque and tartar above the gums and polish teeth.
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): A therapeutic treatment for gum disease that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach.
Because it works under the gums, deep cleaning requires specialized instruments, training, and often local anesthesia. Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend reserving this procedure for patients with signs of periodontal disease, such as pockets 4mm or deeper, bleeding gums, tartar under the gums, or early bone loss.
Can you deep clean at home?
No. You can and should keep your smile healthy between visits, but DIY “deep cleaning” is risky. Why our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend leaving deep cleaning to professionals:
- You can’t see or reach under the gums safely at home.
- Improper scraping can damage enamel and gums, causing recession or sensitivity.
- Blunt or unsterilized tools may push bacteria deeper and raise infection risk.
- No anesthesia or monitoring, making it uncomfortable and incomplete.
If you’ve seen online kits claiming to remove tartar or clean under the gums, skip them. Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend a clinical assessment instead—what looks like surface stain could be hard calculus bonded to tooth surfaces that needs professional removal.
Signs you might need a deep cleaning
If you notice any of the following, our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend scheduling an evaluation at Arrow Dental Arts:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gum recession or teeth that look “longer”
- Tartar buildup along the gumline
- Teeth that feel loose or shifting
- A history of missed cleanings or smoking
We’ll measure your gum pockets, assess X‑rays for bone levels, and determine if a regular cleaning or deep cleaning is appropriate.
What to expect during a professional deep cleaning at Arrow Dental Arts
- Comfort first: We typically numb the area so you’re relaxed and comfortable.
- Scaling: We remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using ultrasonic and hand instruments.
- Root planing: We smooth root surfaces so plaque has fewer places to cling and gums can heal snugly.
- Antimicrobial support: In some cases, we place localized antibiotics or recommend antimicrobial rinses.
- Home plan: Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend specific tools and habits to support healing.
Deep cleaning is often completed over one to two visits per side of the mouth. Most patients return for a re‑evaluation and ongoing periodontal maintenance to keep results stable.
How often should you get professional cleanings?
For healthy gums, every six months is typical. For gum disease, our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months after deep cleaning. Why the difference? Bacteria that trigger periodontal disease repopulate quickly; more frequent visits disrupt that cycle and protect your bone and gum attachment.
The best home routine between visits
You can’t deep clean at home, but you can make a big difference with daily care. Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend:
- Brush 2x daily for two minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste (electric brushes often remove more plaque).
- Clean between teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
- Angle matters: Use a gentle 45‑degree angle toward the gumline; short, small strokes—no heavy scrubbing.
- Add an antimicrobial rinse if you’re prone to bleeding or have been treated for gum disease.
- Scrape your tongue to cut down odor-causing bacteria.
- Watch your diet: Limit frequent snacking and sugary drinks; drink water after coffee, tea, and wine.
- Don’t skip check-ups: Early tartar is easier to remove and keeps gums healthier.
These steps help your gums stay tight and reduce the need for more extensive treatment.
Is professional deep cleaning worth it?
Absolutely. When indicated, deep cleaning helps you:
- Stop active gum infection and inflammation
- Reduce pocket depths so gums can reattach
- Protect bone and keep teeth stable
- Improve breath and comfort
- Lower systemic risks linked to periodontal disease (heart disease, diabetes complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes)
Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend timely deep cleaning because it’s the most conservative, non-surgical way to treat gum disease before it progresses.
Common myths about deep cleaning
- “If I brush harder, I can avoid it.”
Hard brushing can cause abrasion and recession. Technique beats force. Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend gentle, thorough brushing with the right angle and tools. - “I’ll just use a metal scraper at home.”
Without training and sterilization, you can harm tissues and miss the real culprit below the gums. Professional care is safer and more complete. - “Deep cleaning hurts.”
With local anesthesia and modern instruments, most patients are comfortable. Post‑treatment tenderness is mild and temporary, and we provide clear aftercare. - “Once I get one deep cleaning, I’m cured.”
Gum disease is chronic for many people. Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend ongoing maintenance and home care to keep it controlled.
What it costs and insurance basics
Fees vary by the number of areas treated and disease severity. Many dental insurance plans provide benefits for periodontal therapy when clinically indicated. Our team at Arrow Dental Arts will review your coverage, provide a transparent estimate, and create a plan that respects your budget and health goals.
Why choose Arrow Dental Arts in Rancho Cucamonga
- Focused on prevention and comfort: We aim to catch issues early and treat gently.
- Evidence-based care: From ultrasonic scaling to localized antimicrobials, we use proven methods.
- Personalized guidance: Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend home tools that match your dexterity, spacing, and sensitivity—so your routine sticks.
- Local, convenient, caring: Serving Rancho Cucamonga and nearby communities with flexible scheduling and friendly follow-up.
Quick takeaways
- You can’t safely deep clean your own teeth.
- Daily home care plus regular professional cleanings are essential.
- If you have bleeding gums, tartar, or pockets, a dentist should evaluate you for deep cleaning.
- Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend a customized plan to restore and maintain gum health.
Ready to protect your smile?
If you’re wondering whether you need a deep cleaning—or just want a thorough, professional check-up—Arrow Dental Arts is here to help. Contact Arrow Dental Arts to schedule your visit. Our Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga recommend coming in at the first signs of bleeding or tartar so we can keep your gums healthy, your breath fresh, and your smile confident for the long term.