What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two levels of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a common oral health problem. How does it happen? Well, when plaque and tartar builds up, it leads to the growth of bacteria. It’s the bacteria that’s the problem. Bacteria feed on plaque and then they emit acids that eat away at tooth enamel and inflame gums.
The process starts with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. If left unchecked, it expands and becomes an active infection called periodontitis. Periodontal disease can cause receding gums, tooth decay, and bone loss in its most severe stages.
How Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Differ From Routine Periodontal Cleaning?
A deep teeth cleaning (aka scaling and root planing) is different from a routine periodontal cleaning. A routine periodontal cleaning is like a regular tooth cleaning except it’s a bit more thorough. However, it’s not quite as in-depth as scaling and root planing. The deep cleaning that we do for cases of periodontal disease is more of a treatment than a regular cleaning, whereas routine periodontal cleanings are more for ongoing maintenance.