Under typical circumstances, everyone needs routine dental cleanings to keep their smiles healthy and free of disease. These professional visits allow your dentist or hygienist to clean off all of the traces of plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) that your toothbrush and floss couldn’t remove from your teeth. However, for some patients in Ankeny, IA, regular routine dental cleanings aren’t enough to guarantee that their smiles stay healthy, especially if gingivitis (early gum disease) has begun to develop. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious chronic concern, and if your dentist notices signs of it, then you may need more involved periodontal cleaning.
When Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough
During a regular dental cleaning appointment, your dentist or hygienist will use professional equipment to remove the harmful films of oral bacteria clinging to your teeth and gums. The process is simple because it focuses on the visible portions of your teeth and gums. When oral bacteria work their way underneath your gums, however, regular cleaning can’t reach them. Therefore, your dentist may recommend periodontal cleaning, which involves accessing the area underneath your gums to effectively remove the harmful bacteria that could lead to and exacerbate gum disease. Perio cleaning, or deep cleaning, is more complex and often requires multiple visits to complete.
What Deep Cleaning Means
Bacteria that like to settle underneath your gums are also the ones specifically responsible for gum disease’s development. Once they’re out of reach of your toothbrush and floss, these microbes begin irritating and infecting your gum tissues, causing gingivitis to form and grow worse. Deep cleaning is the only way to access these bacteria once they’ve settled on your teeth roots, and therefore, it’s your most important line of defense once you begin to show signs of gingivitis.
Learn More About the Importance of Good Perio Health
Your periodontal health is the foundation of your smile, and neglecting it is the leading reason why so many adults experience tooth loss. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA immediately at (515) 965-0230.
