Teeth Cleaning in Portland ME

When most people think of teeth cleaning in Portland ME, they picture that twice-a-year dental appointment—quick polish, floss, rinse, done. And while that’s great for general upkeep, it’s not always enough, especially if you’ve had gum disease or are at risk for it. As periodontists, we approach teeth cleaning with a deeper goal: protecting and preserving the health of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place.

Think of it like this—your teeth are only as strong as what’s holding them up. A beautiful smile isn’t just about white teeth; it’s about a strong, stable foundation. And that’s exactly what our periodontal cleanings are designed to maintain.

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What Makes Portland ME Periodontal Cleanings Different?

Your standard dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is great if your gums are healthy and free of infection. But once harmful bacteria have made their way beneath the gumline, a typical cleaning just doesn’t go deep enough.

A periodontal cleaning—also known as scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance—targets the areas where bacteria like to hide: in the periodontal pockets. These are the spaces that form between the gums and teeth when inflammation causes the gums to detach. If left untreated, these pockets deepen, bone is lost, and teeth eventually become loose.

In short? Periodontal cleanings are not cosmetic—they’re critical to preserving your oral health.

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Why Cleanings Matter Even When Nothing Hurts

Gum disease is sneaky. It’s often called “the silent threat” because it rarely causes pain until it’s advanced. Bleeding gums? Bad breath? Slight gum recession? These might seem harmless—but they’re warning signs of something brewing below the surface.

And here’s the catch: gum disease doesn't just stop at your mouth. It's been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and even Alzheimer's disease. That means taking care of your gums isn’t just about keeping your teeth—it's about protecting your entire body.

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What to Expect During a Periodontal Cleaning

Our periodontal cleanings are thorough, gentle, and customized based on your unique gum condition. Here's what typically happens:

• Gum pocket measurements help us track disease progression or healing
• Scaling removes hardened plaque (calculus) above and below the gumline
• Root planing smooths rough spots on tooth roots, helping gums reattach
• Antimicrobial rinses or localized medication may be used to reduce bacteria and support healing
• Personalized hygiene tips to help you maintain results at home

This level of care doesn’t just clean your teeth—it helps stop gum disease in its tracks.

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How Often Should You Get a Periodontal Cleaning?

The "twice-a-year" rule doesn’t apply to everyone. If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontitis or have risk factors (like smoking, diabetes, or genetic predisposition), you may need cleanings every 3–4 months.

Why? Because harmful bacteria can repopulate and mature in as little as 90 days. Waiting too long between visits gives them time to reestablish—and undo the progress you’ve made.

Your cleaning frequency isn’t guesswork; it’s based on your current gum health and risk level. We’ll work with you to create a maintenance schedule that keeps you stable.

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Healthy Gums, Healthy Life

Teeth cleaning from a periodontist isn’t about routine—it’s about preservation, prevention, and protection. We’re not just removing plaque; we’re preserving bone, reducing inflammation, and helping you avoid more invasive procedures down the road.

If you’ve ever dealt with gum disease—or you want to make sure you never do—this level of cleaning gives you peace of mind that you’re doing more than just brushing and flossing. You’re actively defending your smile from the ground up.

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Want to keep your gums healthy and strong for life?

Schedule a periodontal cleaning with our team today at Portland Center for Dentistry. We’ll help you stay ahead of gum disease and keep your smile’s foundation strong—one visit at a time.