How often should you schedule a periodontal cleaning?
Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, is the leading cause for tooth loss among adults. Taking care of your gums is one of the greatest practices for improving and maintaining good oral health.
Periodontal maintenance cleanings are typically completed 3-4 times a year. The frequency of these cleanings is often determined by:
The amount of inflammation in your gums
How quickly tartar and plaque build up
How stable the current condition is
What are periodontal cleanings?
Periodontal maintenance cleanings involve cleaning the areas around the gums by scaling and root planing. Tartar is removed from the pockets between the teeth and gums and all along the whole length of the tooth. This type of cleaning is essential because these pockets are often unreachable with toothbrushes and floss.
Why are periodontal cleanings important?
While general teeth cleanings are meant for preventative care, periodontal cleanings are treatments to control periodontal disease. Periodontal cleanings eliminate the bacteria that causes this disease, which generally returns after three to four months. This bacteria can eventually cause damage if not routinely taken care of. Periodontal maintenance may also be recommended to help control inflammation and irritation.
Benefits of periodontal cleanings
Benefits of consistent periodontal cleanings include:
Prevention of the onset or advancement of gum disease
Prevention of tooth loss
Improvement in chronic bad breath
A lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
Periodontal cleanings should be supported by good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing at least once every day. This will ensure that the bacteria in the mouth is managed between cleanings.
Contact Cascade Dental Care to schedule your next periodontal cleaning!