816 East Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, North Carolina 28054
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What is Periodontitis, and What Special Cleanings are Needed to Manage It?

Most of us are familiar with a regular dental hygiene appointment: within about 30 minutes, a caring dental hygienist cleans, polishes, and restores your teeth to their natural health and beauty.

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One type of cleaning that may be suggested by your dentist is a periodontal cleaning. This procedure requires different  methods than just a regular cleaning. But before we get get into what a periodontal cleaning entails, we must answer this question first: what exactly is periodontitis?

According to the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, periodontitis (also known as periodontal disease or gum disease), is “an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss.”

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call our office today to see one of our doctors immediately:

  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Now that we know what periodontitis is, how do we fix it? That’s where the gentle dentists at Gaston Dental Associates come in. There are two very common non-surgical methods to treat periodontal disease: dental scaling and root planing. Let’s learn more about each.

Dental Scaling

Dental scaling is when the dentist uses a special tool to clean below the gum line of the tooth, removing plaque and built-up tarter (hardened plaque) that can cause bad bacteria to inflame and infect your gums.

Root Planing

In addition to dental scaling, you may also receive root planing therapy during your periodontal cleaning. Root planing is when a special tool is used to go beneath the gum line to smoothen the tooth’s roots. This in turn allows the gums to reattach to the tooth in a healthy manner.

scaling and planing

If you are in need of a regular or periodontal cleaning, call our front desk today at 704-396-6166 or use our easy online scheduler to book your next appointment at Gaston Dental Associates!

*Information provided by NIH National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research and Oral-B.

What our patients say

  • Great dentist! He's very caring and really listens. The staff is amazing as well. They make you feel comfortable and... read more

    Deana West Avatar Deana W.
    June 29, 2025

    The ladies in the office are nice and kind when you walk into the office there’s never a dull moment... read more

    Kristal Elliott-Powell Avatar Kristal E.
    January 1, 1970

    I love this dentist they make me feel at home . I never have to wait in the lobby when... read more

    Stephanie Cavender Avatar Stephanie C.
    May 29, 2025

    The great folks at Gaston dental always are willing to work with me to accommodate my third shift schedule. ... read more

    Jerimy Black Avatar Jerimy B.
    March 1, 2025
  • We love this dentist! All my kids go here & they are ALWAYS so kind and polite. This past time... read more

    Alejandra Whitman Avatar Alejandra W.
    March 29, 2025

    I am usually satisfied with my dental appointment , however, my appointment today left me very disappointed and a little... read more

    Tamara Reid Avatar Tamara R.
    January 1, 1970

    I went to the dentist I had cracked a tooth they got me in the very next day to do... read more

    Richard Lingerfelt Avatar Richard L.
    July 15, 2025

    Everyone that I spoke with or who helped me today was so supportive and kind. They listened to me and... read more

    Barbara Rogers Avatar Barbara R.
    March 1, 2025
  • Excellent bedside manner!!! Everyone was very kind and informative! Makes going to the dentist less traumatizing!

    khadija thomas Avatar khadija t.
    July 15, 2025

    I has the best experience today everyone was very nice and helpful and understanding to my needs I forgot to ask... read more

    Jessica Maruri Avatar Jessica M.
    January 1, 1970

    I had a great experience at Gaston Dental Associates today! Everybody was very welcoming and made me feel so... read more

    Linda Wood Avatar Linda W.
    January 1, 1970

    My first experience with Gaston Dental Associates went so much better than I had expected. I was very anxious because... read more

    Pamela Harris Avatar Pamela H.
    June 29, 2025
  • Me and my children have been coming here for 17 years. Staff has changed around but there are still... read more

    Lauren P Avatar Lauren P.
    January 1, 1970

    My cleaning on April 23rd was an awesome visit. Thr check-in, hygienist and dentist had wonderful attitudes. The service was... read more

    Keizah Shouse Avatar Keizah S.
    April 29, 2025

    The staff is very friendly and helpful. The dentists and others are very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions... read more

    Lisa Locklear Avatar Lisa L.
    April 29, 2025

    Best office I've ever been to! Everyone is so sweet and helpful. My dental hygienist spoke so much positivity over... read more

    Bluu Soul Avatar Bluu S.
    August 29, 2024
  • Outstanding Service and Caring Staff at Gaston Dental! I can't say enough good things about Gaston Dental! From the moment I... read more

    Ginger Barnett Avatar Ginger B.
    January 29, 2025

    Everyone was very kind, informative and eager to help. I had a great first experience with my hygienist and my... read more

    Maggie Amrhein Avatar Maggie A.
    March 1, 2025

    Wonderful experience from my check- up at Gaston Dental! Every person was very respectful of my comfort and time. Kudo’s... read more

    daryl hutchins Avatar daryl h.
    April 29, 2025

    I really appreciate Adrian my hygienist for her professionalism, she is very compassionate and she has excellent bedside manner. Emily... read more

    Trina Byers Avatar Trina B.
    January 1, 1970

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