You may have heard the term “periodontal cleaning” the last time you visited a dentist. However, you may not know what a periodontal cleaning is or why it is important. Periodontal cleaning for people with gum disease is very important if you want to stay on top of your dental health. Here is more information about what a periodontal cleaning is, and why it is important.
What’s a Periodontal Cleaning?
When you go to the dentist, you are used to getting a complete and thorough cleaning. Usually, a dental assistant will use a brush to clean plaque or tartar off your teeth and gums.
Then the dentist will check your teeth and gums to see if they are healthy. If your teeth and gums are in good shape, that is all the cleaning you’ll need.
However, if you have periodontal disease, you’ll need to have a deeper gum cleaning, called a periodontal gum cleaning. With a periodontal cleaning, the dentist will clean the pockets or spaces that have opened up between your teeth and gums. These pockets contain bacteria and food residue, and if they aren’t cleaned, will make your gum disease worse.
How Do I Know if I Need a Periodontal Cleaning?
If a dental practitioner recommends you get a periodontal cleaning, it is because you have periodontal disease, also called gum disease. The more serious your gum disease is, the more important it is that you get a periodontal cleaning.
Many people are concerned about feeling pain during a periodontal cleaning. However, many dentists or periodontists can give your teeth a great cleaning using the less painful methods. Be sure and ask about different types of periodontal cleaning.
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