Signs You Need a Deep Cleaning

Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond brushing and flossing. Sometimes, even with good at-home oral hygiene, harmful plaque and bacteria can build up beneath the gumline — putting your gums and overall dental health at risk. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a procedure called a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.

At High Desert Dental, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. As the best dentist in Grand Junction, CO, we believe that understanding the signs you need a deep cleaning can help you take action before problems become more serious.

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning is a nonsurgical dental procedure that goes beyond the surface to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline. The process involves two key steps:

• Scaling removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gums.

• Root planing smooths the root surfaces, helping gums reattach to the teeth and preventing bacteria from re-accumulating.

Deep cleaning is typically recommended for patients showing early signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) or for those who haven’t had a cleaning in a long time and have significant plaque buildup.

Top Signs You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

Not sure whether you need a deep cleaning? Here are some key warning signs to watch for:

1. Bleeding Gums When Brushing or Flossing

Gums that bleed easily during daily brushing or flossing are one of the earliest signs of gingivitis — the first stage of gum disease. This inflammation often stems from bacteria hiding under the gumline, which a deep cleaning can effectively remove.

2. Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath (halitosis) that doesn’t improve with mouthwash or brushing could be due to bacterial buildup beneath the gums. These bacteria release toxins and odors that a regular cleaning can’t eliminate, making a deep cleaning essential for fresh breath.

3. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

Healthy gums should be pale pink and firm. If your gums look red, feel puffy, or are sensitive to the touch, it may indicate inflammation from plaque buildup. Deep cleaning helps reduce this inflammation by targeting bacteria below the surface.

4. Gum Recession

If your teeth appear longer than they used to or if your gums are pulling away from the tooth surface, you may be experiencing gum recession. This is often a sign of periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that requires prompt treatment — often starting with a deep cleaning.

5. Visible Tartar Buildup

Tartar (hardened plaque) is a yellow or brown deposit that forms when plaque isn’t removed promptly. While brushing and flossing help with plaque, only professional cleanings — and sometimes deep cleanings — can remove tartar that has settled below the gumline.

6. Loose or Shifting Teeth

As gum disease progresses, it can damage the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. If you notice that your teeth feel loose, shift position, or your bite has changed, a deep cleaning may be the first step to restoring your oral health and stopping further damage.

7. You Haven’t Seen a Dentist in Over a Year

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease. If it’s been over a year since your last visit, and you’re noticing some of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to schedule an exam. You may be overdue for a deep cleaning.

What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning

At High Desert Dental, we make sure your deep cleaning experience is comfortable and stress-free. Here’s what typically happens:

• Consultation and X-rays: We evaluate your gums and take digital X-rays to assess the extent of plaque and bone loss.

• Local Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, we may numb the area being treated.

• Scaling and Root Planing: Using specialized tools, we clean beneath the gumline and smooth root surfaces.

• Aftercare: You may experience some sensitivity or mild soreness after the procedure. We’ll provide instructions on rinsing, oral hygiene, and any medications needed.

Depending on the severity of gum disease, we may treat one half of the mouth at a time or complete the entire mouth in one visit.

The Importance of Follow-Up and Maintenance

After your deep cleaning, it’s crucial to maintain your results with:

• Excellent brushing and flossing habits

• Antibacterial mouth rinses, if recommended

• More frequent dental visits (every 3–4 months in some cases)

• Ongoing monitoring of gum health

As the best dentist in Grand Junction, CO, our goal is to stop gum disease in its tracks and help you preserve your natural teeth for life.

Don’t Ignore the Signs — Schedule Your Exam Today

Gum disease is a silent but serious condition that can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and other health problems if left untreated. If you’re noticing signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, don’t wait. A deep cleaning could be the key to restoring your oral health.