Periodontal disease is a very common oral health concern that affects almost 7 in 10 Canadians (1). You may have heard it called “gum disease”, but it can be more than that. While periodontal disease affects the gums, it can also lead to destruction of the bone that anchors your teeth in place (2-4). When too much bone is gone, teeth can become loose and even fall out, which can make eating difficult (2).
There are two types of periodontal disease:
- Gum inflammation only, which is called “gingivitis”. If you have gingivitis, you may notice your gums bleed. Luckily, this early stage of the disease can be reversed (2).
- Bone loss, which is often irreversible, is called “periodontitis” (2-4). This later stage of periodontal disease requires extra treatment to clean out bacteria and prevent further damage (3).
Periodontal disease happens when bacteria cause inflammation. Inadequate brushing and flossing, smoking, and certain medical conditions like diabetes can make this inflammation worse (2;3). Regular brushing and flossing are critical in preventing periodontal disease because they stop the buildup of bacteria and hardened plaque, sometimes called “tartar” (5). You can imagine tartar like a rock stuck to the inside of your shoe causing constant irritation. The only way to remove the “rock” in this case is through professional dental cleanings (3).
The first line of treatment for periodontal disease that has caused bone loss is called “scaling and root planing”, also known as “deep cleanings” (8). Deep cleanings go below the gumline to remove irritants like tartar that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach (7). The goals of deep cleanings are to remove the bacteria causing inflammation, stop further bone loss, and make gum pockets (aka the space between your gum and bone) shallower and easier to clean at home (3;4;7;8).
How effective are deep cleanings? Let’s look at a systematic review comparing deep cleanings and no or minimal periodontal treatment to help us answer this question (8).
What the research tells us
In adults who have periodontal disease with other medical conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis), deep cleanings can reduce bleeding of the gums and gum pocket depths (8). These improvements indicate gum tissue is healing and less inflamed (3;4). It should be noted that because there is variation between the studies included in the review and patients were followed for a short period of time, more research is needed to confirm the long-term impacts (8).
Despite these limitations, deep cleanings remain the “gold standard” treatment for periodontal disease. What does this mean for you? Be sure to get regular check-ups with a dental professional, especially if you have other conditions that put you at higher risk of periodontal disease, so you can help prevent, diagnose, and treat this oral disease.
Considerations for deep cleanings:
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan can help older adults without dental insurance access dental services. Learn more about who qualifies here and what services are covered here (4).
- Deep cleanings are typically done under local numbing for your comfort (7;10). Inform your dental team if you’ve had any adverse reactions to local anesthetic.
- It’s normal for your gums to feel sore after deep cleanings, and you may notice that your teeth look or feel different (temporarily looser) as your gums return to their healthy state (8;11-13).
- More frequent professional cleanings (aka maintenance) for areas that are still hard to clean are usually required after deep cleanings (3;9;10).
- Sometimes, additional treatment, like gum surgery, will be recommended (4).
- Ask your dental team about proper home care and what to expect after your deep cleanings.
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