Why Skipping Your Dental Cleaning Can Lead to Gum Disease

What Happens if You Skip a Dental Cleaning?​

Dental cleaning is important for your teeth for effective oral hygiene maintenance. Research shows that patients who receive regular cleanings have significantly lower rates of gingivitis and periodontitis. The following are the risks of avoiding a professional teeth cleaning:​

• Plaque may convert to tartar: Plaque naturally accumulates every day, but if not removed, it may progress towards tartar, which is a harder form of plaque.Tartar cannot be removed with brushing or flossing—it requires professional scaling.
• Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums is referred to as gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is often painless, but signs may include bleeding when brushing, mild swelling, or tenderness.
• ​Gum disease advancement: If gingivitis is not timely treated, it can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, bacteria and inflammation begin damaging the bone and supporting tissues around the teeth.
• Advanced periodontitis: Leaving gum disease untreated can cause it to progress to advanced periodontitis, which may first lead to gum recession, then the loosening of your teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
• Tooth decay: While decay itself does not lead to gum disease, it is often diagnosed during routine dental exams that accompany cleanings. If you skip the dental cleaning process, the cavity may go undiagnosed and untreated.
• Need for complex and more expensive treatments: Preventive treatments like dental cleaning are low in cost; however, for advanced decay, the cost of treatment increases depending on the need for the treatment and the severity.

How Often is Dental Cleaning Important?​

Patients may benefit by getting a dental cleaning every six months. However, it may not be true for all patients who have a previous history of gum disease, diabetes, or other medical conditions in which plaque buildup is more frequent. You may need more frequent visits for dental cleaning, such as every three to four months, as per your dentist’s recommendation.

When Must You Not Delay Dental Cleaning?​

While dental cleaning is suggested every six months, under the following conditions, it is better not to delay getting it:

• There is periodontal pocketing greater than 4mm diagnosed in a dental exam
• You have swelling in your gums
• You are noticing frequent bleeding from the gums
• Persistent bad breath.
• There is moderate gum recession

The Final Message

Gum disease is often one of the consequences of missing dental cleanings. If it’s been more than half a year since you skipped your dental cleaning, then reach out to Pure Dental Center. We offer professional teeth cleaning and all other dental services. Call us at (832) 831-3090 to book an appointment.