Gum disease might start small, but it can turn into a big problem if it’s not treated. It often begins with swollen or bleeding gums and can lead to tooth loss if it keeps spreading. For people living in Chagrin Falls, OH, where cold weather in January can already make everything feel more sensitive, irritated gums can become even more noticeable.
A treatment called a periodontal deep cleaning is one way to get gum disease under control. Instead of cleaning just the outside of your teeth, this cleaning goes under the gumline, where bacteria like to hide. It helps stop pain, swelling, and further damage so the gums can heal and stay healthy. If you’re not sure what happens during a deep cleaning, we’ll walk through each step so you know what to expect.
What Gum Disease Looks and Feels Like
Sometimes gum disease sneaks up without much warning, but there are a few signs to watch for so you can spot it early. These are more than just small annoyances. They’re your body’s way of saying something isn’t right.
Look for things like:
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, puffy, or shiny gums
• A bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away
• Soreness or tenderness near the base of your teeth
• Chronic bad breath even after brushing
When these signs stick around, it usually means bacteria is affecting more than just the surface. It can reach down into the gums where brushing alone can’t fix it. If gum disease is ignored too long, it can wear away the support that holds your teeth in place. That can lead to infection, bone loss, or teeth that feel loose. Catching it early means it can often be cleaned and managed before the damage gets worse.
What to Expect Before the Deep Cleaning Starts
Before we begin a periodontal deep cleaning, we take a close look at your mouth to see how your gums are doing. This step is simple, but it helps us figure out the best way to clean and protect your teeth.
Here’s how we prepare:
• We use a small tool to gently measure the space between your teeth and gums. These are called gum pockets. The deeper they are, the more likely it is that gum disease has started.
• We may take X-rays to check if there’s any bone loss below the surface.
• We check to see how much plaque or tartar has built up over time.
If we find gum pockets that are deeper than normal, along with signs like bleeding, swelling, or gum recession, that usually tells us a periodontal deep cleaning is needed instead of a regular cleaning.
This quick check doesn’t hurt, and it helps us understand where cleaning is needed most. Everyone’s mouth is different, so we make sure the process fits exactly what’s happening with your gums. By knowing where the trouble spots are, we can focus on stopping the disease before it gets worse.
The Steps of a Periodontal Deep Cleaning
Once we know what your gums need, the deep cleaning begins. We make sure you’re relaxed and your mouth is numb so the visit is as comfortable as possible. A periodontal deep cleaning may sound intense, but it’s really just a way to help the gums heal where brushing can’t reach.
Here’s what happens during the visit:
1. First, we clean under the gumline using a process called scaling. This removes built-up plaque and hardened tartar that’s hiding deep near the roots of your teeth.
2. Next comes root planing. This step smooths the rough spots on your tooth roots where bacteria like to stick. When the surface is smooth, the gums can reattach more easily.
3. We may treat certain areas a bit more slowly or carefully if they are sore or sensitive.
4. At Perfect A Smile Dental Group, your dentist may also use a gentle low-power laser or place an antibacterial medicine around specific teeth to help remove bacteria and support healing in deeper pockets.
The whole process may take one or two appointments depending on how much cleaning is needed. After the cleaning is done, the gums can start working their way back to being healthy again.
What Happens After the Cleaning
After your cleaning, you might feel like your gums are a little sore or tender. That’s normal. Your mouth has just gone through a deep clean, and now it needs time to heal. Some people feel better after a day, while others may heal over the next several days.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Your gums might feel tender or bleed slightly for a short time
• Cold weather or hot foods might bother your teeth more right after the cleaning
• We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to check how your gums are healing
To help your gums recover, brushing gently but thoroughly and flossing every day makes a big difference. Rinsing with warm salt water for a few days can help soothe your gums too, especially if they feel irritated. Staying away from super sticky or hard foods can also help reduce pressure on the gums as they heal. If you have had gum disease, we may recommend coming in for maintenance cleanings every three to four months so the infection does not have a chance to build up again.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy Year-Round
Once your gums begin to recover, it’s a good idea to stay ahead of any new trouble. Gum disease can come back if bacteria are given a chance to settle in again. Good habits at home and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings are the best ways to keep gum problems away.
Try small changes that make a big difference:
• Brush twice a day using a soft toothbrush
• Floss daily to break up plaque between teeth and under the gums
• Avoid smoking and sugary drinks that support bacteria growth
In colder months like January, we also recommend drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary treats that are common during the holidays. When it’s icy outside in Chagrin Falls, OH, and routines change, it’s easy to skip brushing or grab extra snacks. That’s exactly when gum problems can sneak back in. Making a plan to come in for a checkup early helps stop small issues from getting worse once the snow melts and things pick up again in spring.
A Healthy Mouth Starts with the Right Care
Gum disease is something we take seriously because it can affect much more than just your teeth. Sore and swollen gums can leave your mouth feeling uncomfortable and make eating, smiling, or speaking harder than it should be. But the good news is, we can often treat it early with a periodontal deep cleaning.
By knowing what to expect at each step and staying on top of daily care, your gums have a good chance of healing. Paying attention when your mouth feels off is a smart move, especially during the winter when regular routines may shift. When something doesn’t feel right, it’s always worth having it checked before it turns into something bigger.
Noticing irritated gums or signs of gum disease means it’s time to take action before things get worse. At Perfect A Smile Dental Group, we provide care that stops discomfort and protects your teeth over time. A treatment like periodontal deep cleaning can make a big difference in how your mouth feels moving forward. Whether you’re dealing with bleeding gums or simply want to prevent future issues in Chagrin Falls, OH, we’re here to help. Give us a call to schedule your visit.