Bad breath, blood on your toothbrush, the rough feel of teeth near the gumline–dental cleanings address all of these symptoms. Though we don’t give them much credit, our gums play an essential role in the stability of our teeth. In today’s blog, you’ll learn the terminology that dentists and dental hygienists use when explaining dental cleanings and gum disease. In addition, we’ll cover the basics of what dental cleanings entail.

Is it time for your semi-annual dental cleaning? Every six months, you need a thorough cleaning and checkup. Call Metro Dental Care in Denver today to reserve your gentle preventive care appointment: 303-534-2626.

Dental Cleanings Terminology

Understanding the words we use about dental cleanings and gum care is the first step toward fully understanding the ins and outs of treatment.

  • Periodontal: relating to the supporting structures of teeth (bone and gum tissues)
  • Gingival: relating to gum tissue
  • Dental Prophylaxis: teeth cleaning
  • Regular Dental Cleaning: professional removal of plaque and tartar above the gumline
  • Deep Dental Cleaning: treatment for gum disease; includes scaling and root planing
  • Scaling: removing plaque and tartar from below the gum tissue
  • Root Planing: smoothing rough areas on teeth roots
  • Plaque: the sticky bacterial substance, naturally produced by the mouth, that clings to teeth
  • Tartar: hardened plaque; also called calculus
  • Gum Disease: inflammatory infection of the gum tissue
  • Gingivitis: early stage of gum disease
  • Periodontitis: gum disease
  • Acute Periodontitis: advanced gum disease

Statistics About Gum Disease in America

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47% of adults aged 30 and older have some level of gum disease. Approximately 30% of us have moderate gum disease, and 8.5% suffer from acute periodontitis. Half of kids have gum disease. Over 70% of Americans over age 64 have gum disease, and the condition is more prevalent in men than women. 

Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the USA. It also has implications on overall health. The condition is linked to an increased risk of diabetes complications, low-weight births, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart attack, stroke, and respiratory problems. 

The main cause of gum disease is poor oral health. However, 65% of people who smoke develop periodontal disease. Other risks include excessive alcohol consumption, hormonal changes, diabetes, stress, genetics, some medications, and chronic dry mouth (xerostomia). 

One poll found that 40% of adults do not attend six-month checkups and dental cleanings. Called preventive dental care, checkups and cleanings deter gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and other oral health concerns. You need a checkup and dental cleaning every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 

Regular Dental Cleanings

Patients who do not have gum disease are eligible for regular dental cleanings. During this procedure, a dentist or dental hygienist will probe gum tissue to identify the depth of periodontal pockets. An increase in depth since the last visit indicates that gum health is decreasing. A measurement over three mm indicates that the patient has gum disease.

The hygienist also cleans plaque and tartar from teeth using an ultrasonic scaler. This instrument emits vibrations that free plaque and tartar from teeth. After a professional dental cleaning, your teeth should feel silky smooth.

Please ask the hygienist if you have questions about brushing, flossing, dental products, or gum health in general. 

Deep Dental Cleanings

Patients with a gum pocket depth over three mm have gum disease. The measurement increases with the severity of the disease. 

During a deep dental cleaning, the hygienist scales teeth below the gum line, on their roots. Analgesic is administered to numb the tissue, so the patient feels no discomfort during the procedure. Next, the hygienist uses a special tool to smooth rough patches on teeth roots. Plaque and tartar tend to accumulate in rough areas, so by removing these areas, we reduce a patient’s risk for recurrence of gum disease. 

After a deep cleaning, we will advise you to return in about three months for another cleaning and exam. Our goal is to see gum pocket depth decrease, which means connective tissues are regrowing and attaching to the base of teeth.

Schedule Your Checkup and Cleaning in Denver

Gum disease is a chronic condition, so while we can treat it and see its recession, patients who’ve had periodontitis are prone to flare-ups. Twice-a-day brushing and daily flossing help deter gum disease, so you should practice consistent oral hygiene at home.

Call Metro Dental Care in Denver at 303-534-2626 to schedule your checkup and dental cleaning today. Children aged four or five can begin six-month preventive visits. Younger kids need an annual checkup with the dentist.