When it comes to keeping your teeth for a lifetime, healthy gums and teeth cleaning play a major role. Regular teeth cleaning appointments help remove plaque buildup, monitor gum health, and prevent gum disease before it becomes more serious.
At Progressive Dental Care in South Portland, ME, we focus on helping patients maintain healthy gums and strong teeth through preventive care, professional teeth cleaning, and personalized home care recommendations.
Your teeth are supported by bone and surrounded by gum tissue, also known as gingiva. Healthy gums are typically:
When gums become unhealthy, they may appear red, swollen, or irritated. In more advanced cases of gum disease, gums can begin pulling away from the teeth, leading to loose teeth and bone loss.
This is why routine teeth cleaning visits are essential for protecting long-term oral health.
During your dental exam and teeth cleaning appointment at Progressive Dental Care, your hygienist and dentist evaluate the health of your gums by measuring the spaces around your teeth called gum pockets.
Healthy gum pockets normally measure between 1–3mm deep and should not bleed or feel tender.
These measurements help your dental team identify early signs of gum disease and determine whether additional treatment may be needed.
If your gums bleed easily but your gum pockets remain shallow, you may have gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease.
Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup around the teeth and gums. The good news is that gingivitis is often reversible with good home care and regular teeth cleaning appointments.
To help prevent gingivitis, it’s important to:
Removing plaque daily is one of the best ways to protect your gums and prevent gum disease.
If gum pockets become deeper than 3mm, this may be a sign of periodontal disease, a more advanced condition that affects both the gums and the bone supporting your teeth.
Signs of advanced gum disease may include:
Without treatment, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.
If gum disease is detected, treatment may go beyond a standard teeth cleaning appointment.
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include:
Deep Scaling and Cleaning
A more thorough cleaning, also known as periodontal cleaning, that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
More Frequent Dental Visits
Additional maintenance cleanings can help control bacteria and inflammation.
Antibacterial Treatments
Prescription rinses or antibiotics, such as Arestin, may be placed below the gums to help reduce infection.
Early treatment is important for protecting your gums and preserving your natural teeth.
Professional teeth cleaning appointments do more than polish your teeth. They help:
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. With regular teeth cleaning visits and strong home care habits, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Regular teeth cleaning visits, combined with proper brushing and flossing, can help prevent gum disease and keep your teeth strong for years to come.
If it has been a while since your last dental cleaning, now is the perfect time to prioritize your oral health. Contact Progressive Dental Care in South Portland, ME today to schedule your professional teeth cleaning appointment.
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