Want to learn how to deep clean your teeth at home? Water flossing, tongue scraping, and oil pulling are among the best DIY deep cleaning methods.
Plaque buildup is at the root of most dental health problems, but getting regular dental cleanings can help lessen and prevent plaque formation. While at-home deep cleaning is no replacement for professional teeth cleaning at a dental office, they are an effective way of keeping food particles and plaque from accumulating unchecked between your teeth.
At-home deep cleaning can aid in maintaining good dental hygiene by removing plaque and bacteria buildup that regular brushing and flossing may miss. We will provide you with some tips and techniques for deep cleaning your teeth at home in this article.
Why deep cleaning your teeth is important
Deep cleaning your teeth is essential for good oral health. Plaque and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth can cause gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis can help remove some plaque and bacteria, but they may not be enough.
Deep cleaning your teeth entails thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums to remove any plaque, tartar, or bacteria buildup. This can aid in the prevention of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
Benefits of dental deep cleaning
Deep cleaning your teeth, whether at home or at the dentist, has numerous advantages for your oral health. Here are some of the primary advantages of dental deep cleaning:
Removes plaque and bacterial buildup
The removal of plaque and bacteria buildup is the primary benefit of deep cleaning your teeth.
Even if you brush and floss on a regular basis, there may be areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach in the course of regular cleaning and brushing. This can cause plaque and bacteria to build up on your teeth and gums over time, causing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Deep cleaning removes this buildup and aids in the prevention of these problems.
Prevents gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition that, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss. The accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the gums causes inflammation and damage to the tissues that support your teeth. By removing plaque and reducing inflammation, deep cleaning can help to prevent and treat gum disease.
Prevents cavities
Cavities are caused by the acid produced by bacteria in plaque eroding tooth enamel. Deep cleaning removes plaque and bacteria, lowering the likelihood of cavities forming. It can also remove any early signs of decay, allowing your dentist to treat the problem before it worsens.
Enhances overall oral health
Deep cleaning your teeth and gums can improve your overall oral health by removing harmful bacteria and plaque buildup.
This can aid in the prevention of other oral health issues like bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and even oral cancer. You can improve your overall health by taking care of your oral health, as poor oral health has been linked to other health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Saves you money in the long run
Deep cleaning may appear to be an expensive procedure, but it can actually save you money over time. By preventing and treating oral health issues early on, you can avoid more costly and extensive treatments such as root canals, extractions, and dental implants later on.
How to do a deep dental cleaning at home
Here are some pointers for cleaning your teeth thoroughly at home:
Use the right toothbrush
The first step in deep cleaning your teeth is selecting the appropriate toothbrush. A toothbrush with soft bristles is ideal for gently removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Hard bristles can be too abrasive for your teeth and gums, causing irritation and bleeding.
Use an electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is a great tool for cleaning your teeth thoroughly at home. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth. They also make it easier to reach all of your teeth and gums, particularly those that are difficult to reach.
Focus on the gum line
In the gum pockets and along the gum line is where plaque buildup tends to happen, which is ultimately what can lead to gum disease as well as other gum problems and oral health conditions.
Use the right toothpaste
Using the right toothpaste at home is key to keeping your mouth healthy. Look for fluoride toothpaste, which can help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Baking soda toothpaste can also help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and freshen your breath.
Floss regularly
Flossing is an important part of doing a thorough cleaning of your teeth at home. Flossing can help remove plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth and along your gumline. Floss at least once a day, preferably before going to bed.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash can also be used to thoroughly clean your teeth at home. Mouthwash can kill bacteria, freshen your breath, and help prevent gum disease. Look for fluoride and antibacterial ingredients in your mouth rinse.
Try oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practise in which you swish oil around in your mouth for several minutes in order to remove toxins and bacteria. Coconut oil is a popular oil for oil pulling, but other oils like sesame or sunflower oil can also be used.
Put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10-20 minutes to oil pull. Rinse your mouth with water after spitting out the oil. Oil pulling can aid in the removal of plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, as well as improving your overall oral health.
Use a tongue scraper
Bacteria and debris can accumulate on your tongue, causing bad breath and other oral health issues. A tongue scraper can help you remove bacteria and debris from your tongue while also freshening your breath.
Use baking soda
Baking soda is a natural cleaner that can aid in the removal of plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Baking soda can be used as toothpaste by making a paste with a small amount of water. Brush your teeth with the baking soda paste, then rinse with water.
However, you should exercise extreme caution when using baking soda as it can be abrasive and damage your tooth enamel.
Final thoughts on deep cleaning your teeth at home
Deep cleaning your teeth at home is critical to maintaining good oral health.
You can prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath by using the tips and techniques outlined in this article to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Brush twice a day, floss regularly, use mouthwash, and experiment with oil pulling and tongue scraping for a more thorough clean.
If you have any concerns or questions about deep cleaning your teeth at home, always consult your dentist.
FAQ
Q: Can you deep clean your teeth yourself?
A: Yes, you can clean your teeth thoroughly at home. While professional cleanings should always be performed by a dentist or dental hygienist, there are several techniques and tools you can use at home to thoroughly clean your teeth.
Brushing and flossing are important for maintaining good oral hygiene, but they may not always be enough to remove all of the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Deep cleaning techniques, such as using a water flosser, tongue scraper, or oil pulling, can aid in the removal of stubborn buildup and improve overall oral health.
However, while home deep cleaning techniques can be effective, they should never be used in place of regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
Q: Can I scale my teeth at home?
A: Scaling your teeth at home is not advised. Scaling, also known as deep cleaning, is a professional dental procedure that involves using specialised tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline.
Scaling should only be done by a licenced dental professional, such as a dentist or dental hygienist, who has the training and expertise to remove the buildup safely and effectively without harming your teeth or gums.
Attempting to scale your teeth at home with tools such as dental picks or scalers can be hazardous to your teeth and gums. You could also unintentionally push bacteria deeper into your gums, increasing your chances of infection and gum disease.
If you have gum disease symptoms or notice a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, you should see a dentist or dental hygienist for a professional cleaning. Scaling can be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to improve your oral health and prevent future issues.
Q: Can I clean my teeth at home like a dentist?
A: While you can’t clean your teeth like a dentist at home, there are several techniques and dental tools you can use to improve your oral hygiene and maintain good dental health, including:
Establishing a regular dental hygiene routine is the most important thing you can do to clean your teeth at home. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath are all examples of good oral hygiene.
Aside from these basic practises, there are several other techniques and tools you can use at home to deep clean your teeth. These are some examples:
A water flosser is a hook shaped tool that removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along your gumline by using a stream of water. They can be especially beneficial for people who have braces, bridges, or other dental appliances.
Tongue scrapers: Tongue scrapers can be used to remove bacteria and debris from your tongue, which can aid in the prevention of bad breath and the overall health of your mouth.
Swishing a small amount of coconut oil or another edible oil in your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out is what oil pulling is. This can aid in the removal of bacteria and the improvement of the health of your gums and teeth.