Have you ever been told by your dentist or dental hygienist that you have periodontal disease or that you need a deep cleaning?
Hearing those words can sound intimidating, and many patients immediately wonder if something is seriously wrong. The good news is that periodontal disease is very common, and when caught early, it is very treatable.
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is an infection caused by bacteria that collect around the teeth and beneath the gumline. When plaque and tartar are not completely removed, the bacteria begin to irritate the gums.
Over time, this causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating spaces called periodontal pockets. As these pockets become deeper, more harmful bacteria can hide where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. If left untreated, the infection can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to loose teeth, painful infections and eventually tooth loss.
Have you ever been sitting in the dental chair while your hygienist calls out numbers like “2, 3, 2, 4, 5” and wondered what they mean?
Those numbers actually tell an important story about the health of your gums. They measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Healthy gums typically measure 1-3 millimeters. Measurements of 4 millimeters or greater may indicate areas where gum disease is present and where additional treatment may be needed.
These measurements allow your dental team to monitor your gum health over time, often identifying problems long before you notice symptoms yourself.
Not all periodontal disease is the same. Dentists classify it by both stage and grade. The stage describes how much damage has already occurred, while the grade estimates how quickly the disease is progressing.
Stage 1 is considered early gum disease with mild bone loss, while Stage 4 represents advanced disease with significant bone loss, loose teeth and difficulty chewing. Grades range from A to C, with Grade A progressing slowly and Grade C progressing more rapidly.
Factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, genetics, and certain medical conditions can increase the rate at which periodontal disease progresses.
Many patients become anxious when they hear they need a deep cleaning. In reality, it may be more helpful to think of it as gum infection therapy. A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, removes bacteria, hardened plaque and tartar from below the gumline where a regular cleaning simply cannot reach.
Thanks to modern dentistry, deep cleanings are much more comfortable than many people expect. Local anesthetic, gentle ultrasonic instruments and newer technologies help make the procedure a positive experience for most patients. The goal is not just to clean your teeth — it is to stop the infection, allow your gums to heal and help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.
What many people don’t realize is that the health of your gums affects much more than your mouth.
Researchers continue to find strong connections between periodontal disease and overall health. Chronic inflammation associated with gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, complications with diabetes, pregnancy complications, and cognitive decline, including dementia.
While periodontal disease does not directly cause these conditions, the bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease may contribute to them or make existing medical conditions more difficult to manage.
One of the most surprising things about periodontal disease is that it is often called the “silent disease.”
Many people have little to no pain until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen gums, gum recession or loose teeth are all signs that should not be ignored.
The best way to protect yourself is through regular dental visits, good brushing and flossing habits at home and early treatment when gum disease is detected. Taking care of your gums is not just about keeping your smile healthy — it is an investment in your overall health and quality of life.
If you’ve been told you have periodontal disease or need a deep cleaning, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Your dental team is there to help you understand your diagnosis and guide you through treatment. With today’s techniques and technology, treating gum disease is more comfortable than ever, and taking action now can help you enjoy a healthier smile — and a healthier body — for years to come.
Dr. Rebecca Stevens, a general dentist and owner of Shawano Family Dentistry, received her training at Marquette University and is an active member of both the Wisconsin Dental Association and the American Dental Association, with a focus on evaluating the overall health of her patients.
