Gingivitis versus periodontitis
Gingivitis is the earliest, mildest form of gum disease: red, slightly swollen gums that bleed when you brush. The good news is that early gingivitis can often be reversed with better home care and a professional cleaning.
Untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At that stage, the bone supporting your teeth begins to break down, the gums pull away to form deeper pockets, and the damage becomes harder to reverse. Most adults over 30 have some form of gum disease.
Why we recommend more frequent visits
If you have a history of gum disease, the standard six-month cleaning schedule may not be enough. We often recommend three- or four-month maintenance visits to stay ahead of bacterial regrowth.
These visits include careful pocket measurements around each tooth, a deeper hygiene clean below the gumline, and a frank conversation about home care if anything is slipping.
Scaling and root planing
When pockets get too deep for regular cleaning to reach, we perform scaling and root planing — sometimes called "deep cleaning." It involves carefully removing tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces so gums can reattach.
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable. Most patients need treatment in two quadrants per visit, completed over one to two appointments. We then re-evaluate at three months to confirm the gums have responded.
Risk factors worth knowing
Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for gum disease. Diabetes, certain medications, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and a genetic predisposition all matter too.
If you have any of these, more frequent professional cleanings and a careful home routine can help protect your teeth and gums over time.