The real reason Parkway Smiles Dental recommends a deep cleaning
It can feel frustrating (or even confusing). You brush twice a day. You floss every night. You don’t skip your dental checkups. Then, your hygienist tells you: “You need a deep cleaning.”
Wait, what?
If you’ve ever been in this situation, you’re not alone. Many patients at Parkway Smiles Dental, right here in Evanston and the NW Calgary area come to us asking the same thing: “If I take care of my teeth, why is a deep cleaning necessary?”
Let’s unpack what this recommendation really means, why it’s not a judgment on your hygiene habits, and how dental hygiene therapy (which includes deep cleaning techniques like scaling and root planing) can help protect your smile for years to come.
First Things First: What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning isn’t the same as your regular six-month hygiene appointment. It’s a more involved procedure that targets the areas below your gum line—places your toothbrush and floss simply can’t reach.
Here at Parkway Smiles, we offer deep cleanings to address early to moderate stages of gum disease, which is also called gingivitis or periodontitis, depending on how advanced it is.
During a deep cleaning, your dental hygienist will perform two key steps:
- Scaling – This removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from both above and below the gum line.
- Root Planing – This smooths out the surfaces of your tooth roots, helping your gums reattach to the teeth and heal more effectively.
- Airflow Polishing – A gentle but effective method that uses a stream of air, warm water, and fine powder to remove surface stains and biofilm, leaving your teeth feeling extra clean.
The goal is to stop the progression of gum disease, reduce inflammation, and give your gums the chance to recover.
Why You Might Need a Deep Cleaning (Even If You Brush and Floss)
Let’s clear something up: needing a deep cleaning doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. In fact, most gum issues happen silently and gradually, without pain.
Here are a few common reasons patients may need deep cleaning—despite solid at-home care:
- Genetics
Some people are simply more prone to plaque buildup and gum inflammation due to their genetic makeup. Just like some people are more prone to cavities or high cholesterol, gum health is influenced by your family history.
- Missed Spots in Hard-to-Reach Areas
Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, certain areas—like behind the molars, between tight teeth, or near dental work—can accumulate bacteria over time.
- Tartar Buildup
Once plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), it can’t be removed at home. Only a dental hygienist with professional tools can safely and effectively remove it—especially beneath the gums.
- Past Lapses in Care
Maybe you went a couple of years between cleanings. Maybe you flossed sporadically in the past. Even if you’re diligent now, past buildup may still be present and need to be addressed.
- Medical Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), or medications that reduce saliva flow can all make your gums more susceptible to inflammation and disease.
The Signs You May Need Dental Hygiene Therapy
While we check for signs of gum disease at every exam, here are a few symptoms you might notice between visits that could point to the need for a deep cleaning:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that look red, swollen, or puffy
- Gum recession (teeth looking “longer” than before)
- Tenderness around the gums
- A feeling that your teeth are shifting or becoming loose
These symptoms don’t always mean advanced gum disease, but they are signs that your gum health needs extra support.
Why Deep Cleaning Matters for Long-Term Health
We’re not just focused on a clean mouth. We’re also focused on your overall health. Studies show that gum disease is linked to serious health concerns like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy complications
By addressing gum inflammation early with hygiene therapy, you’re not just protecting your teeth, you’re also supporting your immune system and reducing your risk of chronic illness. That’s why we take it seriously here at Parkway Smiles Dental.
What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning at Parkway Smiles Dental
If your hygienist recommends a deep cleaning, here’s how the process typically works in our Evanston dental clinic:
Step 1: Full-Mouth Assessment
We’ll begin with a detailed exam and a 3D digital scan to assess gum pocket depths and monitor areas of bone loss or inflammation. This scan is included free with all new patient exams.
Step 2: Localized Cleaning, Usually in Two Visits
To keep you comfortable, we usually clean one half of your mouth per visit using local anesthesia. This allows us to work gently and thoroughly below the gum line without causing discomfort.
Step 3: Aftercare and Home Support
We’ll guide you through a customized home care routine and schedule you for a follow-up cleaning in 6–8 weeks. This helps us evaluate how well your gums are healing and adjust your maintenance plan if needed.
Can You Avoid Deep Cleanings in the Future?
Absolutely. Once you’ve had a deep cleaning, your gum health can be maintained through a consistent combination of:
- Regular hygiene visits (sometimes every 3–4 months instead of every 6)
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Using antibacterial mouth rinses if recommended
- Staying on top of health conditions like diabetes
We’ll work with you to develop a personalized hygiene plan that supports your goals and lifestyle. It’s not just about fixing a problem—it’s about staying ahead of it.
Why Parkway Smiles Takes Preventative Care Seriously
At Parkway Smiles Dental, we’re not just here to treat cavities and polish teeth. We believe in:
- Patient education
- Whole-family dental care
- Prevention-first treatment planning
That’s why we include full mouth digital scans in our new patient exams—to catch early signs of issues that can be reversed or managed before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.
We also follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, so there are no surprises when it comes to costs. If you’re worried about affordability, we offer monthly payment plans and direct billing to insurance to keep care accessible.
Bottom Line
Needing a deep cleaning doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means your gums are asking for some extra attention and we’re here to help you give it to them.
Whether it’s your first dental visit in years, or you’re just keeping up with routine care, our team is here to make the process easy, friendly, and tailored to you.
So if you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning or if you’ve noticed bleeding gums or persistent bad breath don’t wait. Book a visit with our gentle, experienced team at Parkway Smiles Dental in NW Calgary.
Book Your Dental Hygiene Therapy in Evanston Today
We’re proud to serve the communities of Evanston, Sage Hill, Livingston, Kincora, Carrington, and beyond with care that’s affordable, kind, and never rushed.
- New patient? Your first exam includes a free iTero digital scan.
- Nervous about treatment? Ask us about sedation options.
- Unsure if you need hygiene therapy? Let’s take a look together.
Call (403) 452-2833 or book your appointment online today.
