Signs You Need a Deep Dental Cleaning

When most patients think of routine dental visits, they may only think of having their teeth cleaned and examined. But did you know that these appointments are essential for keeping your gums healthy too?

Routine Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

While the routine cleanings we offer our patients are very thorough, deep cleanings go a step further to address periodontal disease, or gum disease. In addition to cleaning above the gum line, deep cleanings go below the gum line to remove harmful plaque and tartar that has collected. This process is called scaling. Then, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out to help the gums reattach to the surface of the teeth.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. However, many other factors can also contribute to this disease, including smoking or chewing tobacco, taking certain medications, pregnancy, and autoimmune diseases like diabetes. Additionally, some patients may be genetically predisposed to developing gum disease. Our judgment-free dental team is here to assist you regardless of why your gums need some extra TLC.

How to Know You Need a Deep Cleaning

Patients who have mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease may experience any or all of the following signs that indicate a deep cleaning may be beneficial:

• Chronic bad breath
• Bright or dark red gums
• Tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Loose or sensitive teeth
• Unusual tooth pain while chewing
• Gums that have receded and detached from the surface of the teeth

Schedule a Visit with Our Gentle Team!

If you’ve noticed changes to your teeth and/or gums, it’s a good idea to have them examined by a dental professional. Patients with mild gum inflammation, called gingivitis, may only need to receive a routine cleaning, and to improve their at-home oral health habits. For patients with advanced periodontal disease, our team can help restore your gums and keep them as healthy and clean as possible.

Whether you need a routine cleaning, a deep cleaning, or an additional dental service, CarolinasDentist is here to help! Please contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule a visit with your closest CarolinasDentist location.

Deep cleaning image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0