Introduction: A healthy smile begins with clean teeth and strong gums — and regular professional cleanings are the key to maintaining both. However, not all dental cleanings are the same. If you’ve recently visited a dentist in Abu Dhabi, you may have heard the terms routine dental cleaning and deep cleaning.

While both treatments involve removing plaque and tartar, they serve different purposes and are recommended for different dental  conditions.        

At Thomas Dental Centre, our goal is to help patients understand the difference so they can make informed decisions about their oral health.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

● What each type of cleaning involves

● When a deep cleaning is necessary

● How these treatments protect your gums and teeth 

● The benefits of professional dental care in Abu Dhabi

A dental cleaning, sometimes called scaling and polishing, is a routine preventive procedure designed to remove soft plaque, hard tartar, and surface stains from the teeth.

It is usually performed during a routine dental check-up every six months and is suitable for people with healthy gums and no signs of infection.

During the cleaning, your hygienist or dentist uses ultrasonic and manual instruments to gently remove deposits above the gum line. The process is painless, safe, and helps maintain both oral health and aesthetics.

After scaling, your teeth are polished using a special paste or airflow device to leave them feeling smooth and shiny. This polishing helps prevent new plaque from sticking easily and gives your smile a refreshed look.

A dental cleaning is a must even if you brush and floss daily — because plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone.

A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more advanced dental procedure aimed at treating gum disease (periodontitis). Unlike regular cleaning, which focuses on the surface, a deep cleaning targets the areas below the gum line — where bacteria, plaque, and tartar collect and cause inflammation.

When gums pull away from the teeth, small spaces called pockets form. These pockets become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to bone loss and, if untreated, tooth loss.

Deep cleaning removes bacteria and tartar from these pockets and smooths the tooth roots to help the gums reattach naturally. To ensure comfort, local anesthesia is usually applied during this treatment.

At Thomas Dental Centre, our specialists perform deep cleanings with gentle precision, using advanced ultrasonic instruments that clean effectively without harming healthy tissue. After the procedure, we provide post treatment care instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.

You may need a deep cleaning if you experience any of the following:

● Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing

● Persistent bad breath

● Red, swollen, or tender gums

● Receding gum line or loose teeth

● Visible tartar buildup near or under the gums

Your dentist will perform a gum assessment to measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth. If these pockets are deeper than 3 mm or show signs of infection, deep cleaning becomes necessary to prevent further damage. In some cases, your dentist might also recommend dental X-rays to assess bone loss and determine the stage of gum disease.

Deep cleaning is typically done in two or more appointments, depending on how severe the infection is. Each visit allows for thorough cleaning and ensures your comfort.

Although both procedures remove plaque and tartar, their purpose and depth of treatment differ significantly. Routine dental cleaning focuses on maintaining your oral health by preventing disease before it starts. It keeps the mouth clean, helps you avoid bad breath, and supports healthy gums.

Deep cleaning, on the other hand, is a therapeutic treatment that stops existing gum disease from getting worse. It helps eliminate infection and promotes gum healing.

At Thomas Dental Centre, our dental professionals will always recommend the most suitable procedure after a complete oral evaluation. Sometimes, patients may start with a deep cleaning and later continue with routine cleanings every 3–6 months to maintain their results.

Even with good brushing and flossing habits, certain areas of the mouth are hard to reach — especially around the gum line and between teeth. Over time, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, which irritates gums and leads to gingivitis (early gum disease).

Professional cleaning removes these deposits and prevents inflammation. It’s also your dentist’s opportunity to catch early signs of other issues like cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease before they become serious.

A simple 30-minute appointment every six months can help you avoid discomfort, advanced treatment, and costly dental repairs later.

For Your Teeth

Both types of cleanings remove bacterial buildup that causes cavities, stains, and enamel erosion. Regular cleanings also help preserve your natural tooth color and smooth the enamel surface, giving you a bright, confident smile.

For Your Gums

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Deep cleaning removes infection-causing bacteria under the gum line, allowing swollen gums to heal and reattach firmly to your teeth.

For Overall Health

Research shows that untreated gum infections are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. By managing oral bacteria through proper cleanings, you’re protecting more than just your teet— you’re supporting your overall well-being.

Aftercare: What to Expect

After a Dental Cleaning

You can return to your normal routine immediately. Your mouth may feel smooth, fresh, and slightly sensitive if tartar removal was extensive. To maintain results, brush twice daily, floss regularly, and avoid foods or drinks that stain your teeth for 24 hours.

 After a Deep Cleaning

Your gums might feel tender for a few days. Mild bleeding or sensitivity is normal and usually subsides within a week. Your dentist may recommend a medicated mouthwash or antibacterial gel to aid healing. 

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods during recovery, as they can delay gum healing. Drink plenty of water and maintain gentle oral hygiene. If discomfort persists beyond a few days, schedule a follow-up visit for evaluation.

● Fresher breath – Removes odor-causing bacteria.

● Healthier gums – Reduces bleeding and inflammation.

● Brighter teeth – Polishing removes stains and plaque.

● Long-term savings – Prevents costly treatments later.

● Improved confidence – A clean smile boosts self-esteem.

● Better overall health – Reduces risk of systemic diseases.