Although often ignored, oral health is more important than you think; it is the window to your general health. Many people may believe routine cleanings and periodontal maintenance are both used by dentists for various reasons. However, one is considered to be a preventive service while the other is referred to as a prescribed treatment. Let’s learn the difference between the two below.
What is Routine Cleaning?
Routine dental cleaning is also known as prophylactic or preventive services. From a very young age to adulthood, patients receive routine dental prophylaxis, especially those without any diagnosed gum disease. Generally, dentists recommend periodic and regular cleanings twice a year and oral examinations.
This checkup enables dentists to detect and treat any dental problem. During the routine cleaning, the dentist scales around the teeth and slightly around the gum lines to remove any build plague, stains, and calculus. Regular cleaning is generally preserved for patients with healthy gum and helps prevent oral health recurrence.
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a prescribed treatment that helps in cleaning any level of gum disease. It is a soft tissue management program that helps to destroy and kill bacteria that causes periodontal diseases. These periodontal cleanings are only prescribed to patients diagnosed with periodontal diseases and have had advanced treatments such as root planing and scaling. During these maintenance sessions, the dentists will dig deep into the gums and ensure the roots are free from bacteria.
In conclusion, routine cleaning and periodontal maintenance are performed by a dentist precisely to ensure your gums are free from diseases and bacteria. Although they appear different, they are solely for the better benefit of the patient. Therefore, you must attend all your regular cleaning sessions, as they can help prevent future infections.
