Signs You Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning

Most of us know that regular dental cleanings help keep our smiles healthy — but sometimes plaque and tartar build up beneath the gumline in ways that a routine cleaning can’t address. That’s when a deep teeth cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) becomes necessary.

At Caring Smiles Dental in Hoffman Estates, IL, Dr. Ankur Patel and our team help patients understand when a deeper level of cleaning is needed — not just because of what we see on X‑rays, but because of what you might be feeling or noticing in your mouth.

Here are the key signs that you may benefit from a deep cleaning — and why catching them early matters.

What a Deep Cleaning Is

Before we get into the signs, let’s clarify what a deep cleaning does. Unlike a routine cleaning that focuses on the surfaces of your teeth, a deep cleaning cleans below the gumline. It removes plaque, bacteria, and tartar from the roots of your teeth and helps smooth the root surfaces so your gums can reattach.

A deep cleaning is typically recommended when gum disease (periodontal disease) develops — and the earlier it’s treated, the better your long‑term oral health outcome.

Common Signs You May Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning

Your Gums Bleed Frequently

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss — not just once in a while, but consistently — that’s one of the most common early signs of gum inflammation. Routine cleanings may not be enough. A deep cleaning can remove buildup from below the gums where inflammation often starts.

Your Gums Look Red, Puffy, or Tender

Healthy gums should look pink and feel firm. Red, swollen, or sore gums can be early signs of gum disease. Even if you’re not in pain, don’t ignore the inflammation — a deep cleaning may be needed to reverse it.

You Have Persistent Bad Breath

Bad breath that doesn’t go away despite good hygiene habits can be caused by bacteria trapped under the gums. A deep cleaning can help remove these odor-causing bacteria at the source.

Your Gums Have Started to Pull Away from Your Teeth

Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. It’s also a red flag that bacteria may have been accumulating below the surface for a while.

You Notice Pockets Forming Around Your Teeth

During your exam, Dr. Patel measures the “pockets” between your teeth and gums:

• 1–3mm: Normal, healthy gums
• 4mm: Gingivitis (early gum disease)
• 5mm or more: Deeper infection that often requires scaling and root planing

These pocket depths help determine if a deep cleaning is necessary to prevent bone loss and further infection.

Your Teeth Feel Loose or Are Shifting

Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together can mean the bone around your teeth is deteriorating — a serious sign of advanced gum disease. Deep cleaning is a critical first step to stabilize the situation.

You Have a History of Gum Disease

If you’ve been treated for gum disease before, ongoing periodontal maintenance is often necessary to keep it from returning. You may not feel symptoms, but deep cleanings can help prevent relapse.

Why Early Treatment Matters

When gum disease is caught early, treatment is simpler and less invasive. Deep teeth cleanings can prevent tooth loss, reduce the need for surgery, and protect both your oral and systemic health.

There’s also a link between gum disease and other health concerns — like heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation — making treatment even more important for your overall well-being.

What to Expect at Your Deep Cleaning Appointment

If Dr. Patel recommends a deep cleaning, we’ll make sure you feel informed and comfortable. The process involves:

• Numbing the area to ensure comfort
• Removing plaque and tartar below the gumline (scaling)
• Smoothing the root surfaces to promote healing (root planing)

You may experience mild tenderness afterward, but most patients recover quickly and feel noticeable improvement in gum health. Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and help prevent future issues.

Deep Teeth Cleaning in Hoffman Estates, IL

If you’re seeing any of the warning signs — bleeding gums, gum recession, bad breath, or shifting teeth — you may benefit from a deep teeth cleaning.

At Caring Smiles Dental, Dr. Ankur Patel provides personalized periodontal care that helps protect your gums, preserve your smile, and support your total health. We’re here to make treatment as easy, gentle, and effective as possible.

Call our Hoffman Estates office today to schedule your evaluation — and take the next step toward healthier gums and a healthier smile.

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Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Gum Health, Periodontal Therapy