There are different types of cleanings depending on whether the patient has

1) a healthy mouth,
2) gingivitis,
3) periodontal disease.

A healthy mouth

A healthy mouth consists of coral pink gums (depending on ethnicity, there are natural pigments that change the color of the gums to darker shades of brown) gums dotted like orange peel. The gums are not red, purple, or swollen. The gums do not bleed when the patient brushes his teeth. The gums are comfortable when the doctor or hygienist uses a metal instrument called a probe to measure the pockets around the teeth. (Pockets are the “turtleneck” shaped spaces between the gum and the tooth).

In a healthy mouth, the bags are 3 millimeters or less. The gum level meets the crown of the tooth in the enamel and there is gum tissue that covers the space between the teeth (there are no visible dark triangles between the teeth).

Gingivitis

Gingivitis gums are often red, purple, swollen, swollen, and bleed easily. The surface of the gums appears smooth and shiny instead of having an orange peel. This disease is caused by plaque bacteria and irritation from hard deposits called stones.

Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria, bacterial glue, bacterial waste products, and toxins. It gives the teeth a “hairy” feel and can be brushed or flossed.

The stone can form in as little as 24 hours and is caused by calcium and other minerals in saliva trapped by any plaque that was not removed by brushing or flossing. The stone is mainly found on the tongue side of the lower front teeth and on the cheek side of the upper molars. The stone must be removed with special instruments in the dental office, as they are now “stuck” to the teeth so tightly (like barnacles on a ship’s hull) that brushing or flossing cannot remove it.

Gingivitis can be localized to specific areas of the mouth or generalized throughout the mouth.

Periodontal disease

The cause of periodontal disease was not well understood until recently. It is not a serious form of gingivitis. In fact, the two diseases, gingivitis and periodontal disease, are caused by completely different bacteria. The bone loss that accompanies periodontal disease is actually an exaggerated response of the immune system. Your immune system will attack your bone in an effort to eliminate bacteria and toxins. This autoimmune reaction is a hereditary response, so if your parents had it, you probably did too.

Gingivitis and periodontal disease can occur together or separately. If you have periodontal disease without gingivitis, you will have bone loss and will not necessarily experience tender or bleeding gums.

Periodontal disease can only be diagnosed by a complete series of x-rays of the mouth and a complete probing of each individual tooth. The disease can be localized to specific areas of the mouth or generalized throughout the mouth.

Severe bad breath, loose teeth, teeth that fall out on their own, and pus coming from the gums can all be found in advanced periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is treatable, but not curable because it is genetic. To keep this disease under control, a person should be seen for follow-up treatment every 3 months or less.

The different types of cleaning

A PROPHYLAXIS is a preventive cleaning reserved for people who have a healthy mouth. They may have a localized area of ​​gingivitis, but no signs of periodontal disease (as determined by probing around the tooth) and no heavy bleeding during probing or cleaning.

A GROSS DEBRIDATION is a cleaning that consists of the generalized removal of plaque and stones in people with gingivitis or periodontal disease. This is usually done to allow better access and visibility for diagnosis and probing and to allow the swollen gums to settle before continuing with treatment.

Generally, a SCALE AND POLISH is performed after gross debridement in people with moderate to severe gingivitis or early periodontal disease. Basically it is a fine adjustment to ensure the removal of stones under the gums and to get the patient on the road to health.

ROOT SMOOTHING is a treatment for mild to moderate generalized or advanced localized periodontal disease. It is usually preceded by gross debridement. This is sometimes called “deep cleaning.” Antibiotic gels are used in conjunction with root planing to treat periodontal disease and can be placed in the same appointment as root planing.

PERIODONTAL CLEANING is the treatment that is administered to people with periodontal disease with a frequency of at least every 3 months to prevent further bone loss.

Your dentist will recommend the cleaning that is right for you after a comprehensive x-ray exam.