Why You Might Need a Deep Cleaning—Even If You Brush Every Day

Bailey Martindale
Jul 3
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

You brush twice a day, floss sometimes, and your breath is decent. So when your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, your first thought might be: Wait… am I in trouble?

Not at all. At Sunset Family Dentistry, we don’t do scare tactics—we do facts. And here’s the truth: even the most well-meaning brushers can need a deeper level of care.

Let’s unpack why.

😬 What Is a Deep Cleaning, Really?

A “deep cleaning” is dentist-speak for scaling and root planing—a procedure that goes below the gumline to clear out bacteria, tartar, and inflammation.

It’s not just a fancy cleaning. It’s a therapeutic treatment for early to moderate gum disease (also called periodontitis or periodontal disease).

Think of it as: 🪣 Not just mopping the floor... but pulling out the furniture and getting into the corners.

🧠 But I Brush My Teeth Every Day—Why Would I Need This?

Here’s the kicker: brushing and flossing are essential—but they only reach about 60% of the tooth surface. Once plaque hardens into tartar, your toothbrush taps out.

Over time, tartar builds below the gumline, triggering an immune response. Your body starts breaking down tissue, and gums begin to:

Pull away from the teeth
Bleed when flossing
Feel sore or swollen
Recede and expose roots

This isn’t just cosmetic. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.

And it’s way more common than you think.

📊 Let’s Talk Numbers

Nearly 50% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease
That number jumps to 70% for adults 65+
Gum disease has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke

So yeah—it’s a big deal. But the good news? We catch it early. We treat it effectively. And it doesn’t have to get worse.

🔍 How We Know You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

At Sunset Family Dentistry, we don’t just guess. We use diagnostic tools to measure:

✅ Pocket depth: The space between your tooth and gums

✅ Tartar buildup: Especially below the surface

✅ Bleeding points: A key sign of inflammation

✅ Gum recession: How far your gums have pulled back

If your pocket depths are 4mm or greater, or there’s significant buildup under the gums, we’ll likely recommend scaling and root planing.

It’s all personalized—and we walk you through everything.

Dental Deep Cleaning Sunset Family Dentistry Clearwater, FL — Deep Cleaning Clearwater, FL.

🛠️ What Happens During the Appointment?

We numb the area so you’re comfortable
Using special tools, we clean beneath the gumline (scaling)
We smooth the root surfaces (planing) to help gums reattach
In some cases, we apply antibiotics to help kill bacteria
You may come back for a second visit if we split the mouth into two sessions

Afterward? Your gums get a fresh start—and you get your oral health back on track.

🧼 Will I Need More Than One Deep Cleaning?

Usually, no.

But here’s the catch: periodontal disease doesn’t just vanish. Once you’ve had it, you’re at higher risk for recurrence.

That’s why we typically recommend more frequent cleanings (every 3–4 months) as part of periodontal maintenance. This keeps bacteria in check and helps prevent further damage.