Oral health is important…but we all know this right? However, did you know that poor dental hygiene can lead to serious issues like cavities, gum disease and tooth loss?
Regular dental cleanings help maintain oral health by removing plaque and tartar buildup from teeth. Traditionally, this is done by scraping and polishing teeth, but newer approaches like Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) take a more targeted approach to disrupting biofilms – the sticky matrices of bacteria and troublemakers that form on teeth.
In this blog, we’ll compare the potential risks and benefits of traditional scraping/polishing dental cleaning versus Guided Biofilm Therapy.
Key factors to consider are effectiveness at removing biofilm buildup, potential for damaging tooth enamel and patient comfort during procedures.
Weighing these factors can help determine which type of dental cleaning may be most appropriate for maintaining long-term oral health. Quality dental care involves regular professional cleanings paired with daily brushing and flossing for optimal prevention of dental disease.
Traditional teeth cleaning
Dental cleanings are key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During a dental cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist will remove bacteria, plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth surfaces. They may also perform other preventive services, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments during the same visit.
If you have dental fears or anxieties, talk to your dentist (hopefully, that’s us!). Many providers offer sedation dentistry options to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during your visit, and we will make any changes to put you at ease.
Types of dental cleanings
There are different types of dental cleanings based on your needs. But all have the same end goal — to remove harmful bacteria and reduce your risk for dental issues:
- Prophylaxis – Routine, preventive cleaning for generally healthy teeth and gums. The most common type which focuses on prophylaxis.
- Gross debridement – For those who haven’t had a cleaning in over a year or have extensive plaque. Similar to prophylaxis but may take longer to diagnose unseen issues.
- Scaling and root planing – Also called deep cleaning, it reaches beneath the gumline for bacteria and hardened tartar around roots.
The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends regular intervals for cleanings, usually every 6 months. However, the frequency can vary by individual needs.
The actual cleaning procedure involves scraping and polishing the teeth using sharp metal tools and abrasive pastes. This can feel uncomfortable or even painful for patients and can be quite invasive on tooth enamel.
That’s where GBT comes in…
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
So, what exactly is biofilm?
Biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that adhere to surfaces and form a protective matrix. Biofilm accumulates on teeth and gum surfaces, leading to various oral issues.
If left untreated, this biofilm can contribute to systemic health concerns as well as oral infections, which have been linked to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Other systemic conditions
Guided Biofilm Therapy takes a systematic approach to disrupting this biofilm and preventing reaccumulation, all whilst being more precise than scraping and polishing and causing less damage to tooth enamel! Let’s take a look at how:
Examination: A thorough check of teeth and gums to diagnose issues.
Disclose: Making the biofilm visible for targeted removal.
Motivate: Providing guidance on proper daily oral hygiene.
Airflow: Gentle blasting with water to detach biofilm.
Perioflow: Cleaning deep into gum pockets, gently.
Piezon PS: Painless calculus removal (no painful anaesthetic needles here!).
Quality control: Confirming complete biofilm and deposit removal.
New recall: Scheduling next maintenance appointment with Mola Dental.
Benefits of GBT over traditional cleanings
Guided biofilm therapy offers several advantages over conventional teeth cleaning methods:
Kills pathogens in dental plaque – GBT uses disinfecting agents along with mechanical disruption to kill disease-causing microorganisms living in plaque biofilm. This reduces infection risk compared to solely mechanical plaque removal.
Slows biofilm regrowth – The protocol aims to thoroughly disrupt biofilm instead of just removing some buildup. This helps slow the regrowth of sticky new biofilm on cleaned tooth surfaces.
Better access to microscopic spaces – GBT uses fine procedures to penetrate the microscopic grooves around and between teeth that harbour biofilm. Traditional tools often cannot access these areas.
Fewer dental visits – By more effectively removing biofilm and slowing its return, patients may need fewer regular dental appointments and cleanings each year to maintain health.
Improved long-term oral health – With superior biofilm removal and killing as well as precautions against enamel damage, GBT promotes better overall dental and gum health long-term compared to conventional scraping and polishing.
The strategic GBT approach enhances preventive capability over regular cleanings focused solely on plaque removal. Get ready to see cleaner teeth, healthier gums and potentially fewer major problems down the road!
The future is GBT
So, what is the future of GBT?
The growing popularity and usage of GBT in dentistry indicate it should become a standard of care based on its benefits.
GBT helps prevent cavities and tooth decay more effectively than previous methods, providing a long-lasting defence against plaque and biofilm buildup.
As more patients and dentists recognise these advantages, GBT promises to play an integral role in improved oral healthcare and wellbeing. Its ability to actively protect teeth and gums while also being more accessible and affordable should make GBT a staple dental product moving forward.
When is it time for a dental health check and clean?
The standard guidance on scheduling dental health checks is every 6 months, but timing can vary depending on individual factors and should be discussed with your dentist.
Appointments should be made as soon as possible if you notice potential issues like bleeding gums, loose teeth, dry mouth, mouth sores, jaw pain, damaged teeth and swelling.
During a standard checkup, the dentist will ask about your oral health history, examine your teeth, mouth and gums, conduct any necessary tests, X-rays or scans, offer dental hygiene advice, and recommend when to book your next visit. Even if no overt problems seem present, checkups are vital for early detection and simpler treatment of potential issues.
Welcome in a more advanced, safer and effective cleaning to your dental health; book in for your GBT session now with Mola Dental!