If you have ever been told you need a deep clean rather than a standard hygiene appointment, you may have wondered what the difference actually is. The distinction between deep cleaning vs regular cleaning is one of the most common sources of confusion among dental patients, and understanding it can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.

Both types of cleaning play an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but they serve different purposes and address different concerns. Whether you are attending a routine dental checkup or have been advised that dental scaling and root planing may be appropriate, this guide explains the key differences, what each treatment involves, and how to know which one is right for you. For professional dental hygiene care in London, understanding these options is an important first step.

What Is a Routine Dental Checkup?

A routine dental checkup — often referred to as a regular cleaning or prophylaxis — is the standard preventive hygiene appointment that most patients attend on a regular basis. It is designed for individuals with generally healthy gums and focuses on maintaining oral health rather than treating existing disease.

During a routine cleaning, your dental hygienist will typically:

• Remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above the gumline using hand instruments or ultrasonic scalers
• Polish the teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel, a process commonly known as a scale and polish
• Assess gum health by checking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or early gum changes
• Provide oral hygiene instruction tailored to your individual needs, including advice on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and suitable products
• Screen for early concerns that may need further attention or monitoring

The focus of a routine appointment is prevention. By removing plaque and calculus before they cause damage, regular cleaning helps keep your gums healthy and reduces the risk of developing gum disease. For more on what this involves, our guide on how a scale and polish works provides a helpful overview. You can also explore our routine continuing dental care page for further details.

When discussing deep cleaning vs regular cleaning, the key distinction is that routine cleaning addresses the visible tooth surfaces above the gumline, while deep cleaning goes further — beneath the gums — to treat areas that standard cleaning cannot reach.

What Is Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning is the common term for dental scaling and root planing, a more intensive procedure designed to treat gum disease — specifically when bacteria and deposits have accumulated below the gumline, in the spaces known as gum pockets.

When plaque is not removed effectively through daily brushing and regular professional cleaning, it can harden into tartar and extend beneath the gumline. Over time, this can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming deeper pockets where bacteria thrive. Dental scaling and root planing addresses this by:

• Scaling: Carefully removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline, including within the gum pockets
• Root planing: Smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to help the gums reattach more closely, supporting gum pocket reduction and discouraging further bacterial accumulation

The procedure may be carried out over one or more appointments, depending on the extent of the condition. It is sometimes performed on a quadrant-by-quadrant basis — meaning one section of the mouth is treated at a time — to ensure thorough, comfortable care.

Deep cleaning is typically recommended when there are clear signs you need deep cleaning, such as gum pockets deeper than 3mm, persistent gum bleeding, or evidence of bone loss around the teeth. Our periodontal treatments page explains the range of options available for managing gum conditions. You may also find our blog on early signs of gum disease helpful for understanding when to seek advice.

Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: Side-by-Side Comparison

To help clarify the differences between deep cleaning vs regular cleaning, the following comparison table summarises the key features of each treatment:

Feature	Routine Cleaning	Deep Cleaning
Depth	Above the gumline	Above and below the gumline, including root surfaces
Purpose	Preventive maintenance	Treatment of gum disease
Frequency	Every 3–6 months	As clinically indicated
Gum pocket reduction	Not applicable	Yes — a key treatment goal
Anaesthetic	Rarely needed	May be used for comfort
Who needs it	All patients (preventive)	Patients with gum disease or deep pockets

As the table illustrates, both treatments are valuable but serve different clinical needs. A routine cleaning maintains oral health, while deep cleaning actively treats gum disease and works towards gum pocket reduction.

Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning

Not everyone will need deep cleaning. For many patients, regular professional hygiene appointments are sufficient to maintain healthy gums. However, there are certain signs you need deep cleaning that should prompt you to seek a professional assessment:

• Bleeding gums: Gums that bleed regularly during brushing or flossing, particularly if this persists over several weeks
• Red or swollen gums: Healthy gums should be pale pink and firm. Redness, puffiness, or tenderness may indicate inflammation
• Persistent bad breath: Ongoing halitosis that does not improve with good oral hygiene may be a sign of bacteria accumulating in gum pockets
• Gum recession: If your teeth appear longer than they used to, or if you can see exposed root surfaces, this may suggest gum tissue loss
• Deepened gum pockets: During a periodontal assessment, your hygienist measures the depth of the spaces between your gums and teeth. Pockets deeper than 3mm may indicate the need for deeper intervention
• Loose teeth or shifting: In more advanced cases, bone loss around the teeth can lead to mobility

If you recognise any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional dental advice. Early intervention can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes. For a broader understanding of the various cleaning approaches available, our blog on understanding the different types of dental cleanings provides helpful context.

What About Deep Cleaning Cost UK?

One of the most common questions patients ask is about deep cleaning cost UK. It is natural to want to understand the financial aspect of any dental treatment, and being informed helps you plan ahead.

The cost of deep cleaning in the UK varies depending on several factors:

• Severity of the gum condition: More advanced periodontal disease may require more extensive treatment across multiple appointments
• Number of quadrants treated: Deep cleaning is often carried out in sections. Treating all four quadrants will cost more than treating one or two
• Time required: More complex cases require longer appointment times and greater clinical attention
• Practice location and expertise: Costs may vary between practices, particularly in London where overheads tend to be higher

While deep cleaning typically costs more than a standard hygiene appointment, it is important to view it as an investment in your long-term oral health. Untreated gum disease can progress and lead to more complex — and potentially more costly — treatment needs in the future. For transparent information about our treatment costs, please visit our fees page.

Minimising Discomfort During Deep Cleaning

Concerns about discomfort are one of the main reasons patients feel apprehensive about deep cleaning. It is entirely understandable, and the good news is that modern techniques and patient-centred care have made the experience much more comfortable than many expect.

Here are some of the ways minimising discomfort during deep cleaning is achieved:

• Local anaesthetic: Your hygienist may apply a topical anaesthetic gel or administer local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout
• Ultrasonic instruments: Modern ultrasonic scalers use gentle vibrations and water irrigation to remove deposits, often with less pressure than traditional hand instruments alone
• Sectional treatment: By treating one quadrant at a time, the appointment is kept to a manageable length, and any post-treatment sensitivity is localised
• Communication: A good hygienist will explain each step, check in with you regularly, and adjust their approach if you experience any discomfort
• Post-treatment guidance: You will receive advice on managing any mild sensitivity or tenderness after the appointment, which typically resolves within a few days

For more practical advice on what to expect after treatment, our blog on managing discomfort after teeth cleaning offers reassuring, detailed guidance.

Periodontal Maintenance After Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning is an important step in managing gum disease, but it is not a one-off solution. Periodontal maintenance — the ongoing care that follows deep cleaning — is essential for keeping your gums stable and preventing the condition from returning.

Periodontal maintenance typically involves:

• More frequent hygiene appointments: Rather than the standard six-monthly schedule, patients who have undergone deep cleaning may be advised to attend every three to four months initially
• Ongoing gum pocket monitoring: Your hygienist will regularly measure pocket depths to track progress and identify any areas that may need further attention
• Targeted cleaning: Maintenance appointments focus on the specific areas that are most vulnerable to plaque and tartar accumulation, particularly around previously affected teeth
• Reinforced home care: Your hygienist will continue to provide tailored brushing and interdental cleaning advice to support your daily routine
• Early intervention: Regular monitoring allows any changes to be identified and addressed promptly, before they progress

The goal of periodontal maintenance is to preserve the improvements achieved through deep cleaning and support long-term gum health. Preventive care remains the foundation of good oral health, and our preventive treatments page outlines the full range of support available. For guidance on how often you should attend, our blog on professional dental cleaning frequency provides evidence-based recommendations.

When Should You Book an Appointment?

Whether you are due for a routine dental checkup or have noticed any of the signs discussed in this article, taking a proactive approach to your oral health is always worthwhile. Regular preventive appointments are the most effective way to maintain healthy gums, catch concerns early, and avoid the need for more intensive treatment.

Consider booking an appointment if:

• It has been more than six months since your last hygiene visit
• You have noticed bleeding, swelling, or tenderness in your gums
• You have been advised in the past that you have gum disease or deep pockets
• You want to establish a personalised preventive care routine
• You are unsure whether you need routine cleaning or a deeper intervention

An initial assessment with a dental hygienist can clarify exactly what your gums need and help you feel confident about your treatment plan. Visit our teeth cleaning page to learn more about the professional cleaning options available and take a positive step towards maintaining your oral health.