If you have gum disease, you may be wondering why a dental deep cleaning is necessary. After all, doesn’t good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing take care of most of the problems?

Unfortunately, gum (periodontal) disease is a serious condition affecting both tissue and bone that requires professional treatment. Bad breath is one of the most typical symptoms of gum disease, but can also present itself as bleeding gums, receding gum lines and even loose teeth.

Also called gingivitis, this disease is caused by bacteria accumulating in your mouth and produce toxins that give off an unpleasant odor. When bacteria build up in your mouth, they can cause infection and inflammation, leading to bone loss and tooth loss if left untreated.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), periodontal disease is one of the two biggest threats to dental health in the US, with 47% of adults over 30 years in age has some form of gum disease. One of the most effective treatment options is a deep dental cleaning, which can help to get rid your mouth of this bacteria and improve your breath.

What is dental deep cleaning?

Deep dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a gum disease treatment that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a professional.

Scaling involves using special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Root planing gets rid of any rough spots on your tooth roots where bacteria can hide. This helps prevent future plaque and tartar buildup.

This is a non-surgical Periodontal Care treatment performed by one of our periodontists, who have specialized training in the structures that support your teeth (gums, bone, tissue).

Our periodontist in Colorado Springs consider both non-surgical and surgical options for treating periodontal (gum) disease. Non-surgical options include the deep cleaning to remove tartar and plaque and to release toxins. Each patient is assessed on a case-by-case basis so that we can determine the best treatment option.

How does it treat gum disease?

Deep dental cleaning is often the best way to treat gum disease because the special instruments can reach below the gum line into the periodontal pockets, removing bacteria that cause infection and inflammation. This can not only help your gums heal, but also prevent the condition from getting worse.

It can also help to prevent gum disease from coming back.  After the deep cleaning, you will need to take good care of your teeth and gums. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Our dentists and dental hygienists will continue to measure your pocket depth, assess warning signs and discuss risk factors with you.

If you think you may have gum disease, it is important to see a dentist right away.

Do you have gum disease?

Undecided whether or not you have gum disease, talk to us. Don’t be embarrassed, we are passionate about helping people improve their oral health – it’s one of the reasons we get up every day. We can examine your teeth and gums, let you know if you need treatment, and discuss the best options for your unique smile.

The sooner we can diagnose the problem and start treatment, the better your chances for keeping your gums healthy. We will tailor your deep dental cleaning treatment for your specific needs that will most quickly restore your oral health.

You made it all the way to the end, so we know you have concerns. Fill out our short online form to Start the scheduling process now. Gum disease does not get better on its own.