The Risks of Delaying Deep Cleanings: How Gum Disease Affects Your Health

When it comes to dental visits, deep cleanings are often recommended to stop the progression of gum disease. At Sequoia Station Dental Care, right in the heart of Redwood City, we’ve seen how untreated gum disease can quietly progress and lead to long-term dental and systemic health issues. Understanding the risks can help you take action before problems worsen.

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

Unlike a routine cleaning, a deep cleaning targets plaque and tartar that have built up beneath the gumline. This procedure helps treat gingivitis and more advanced forms of gum disease by removing bacteria that cause inflammation and infection in the gums.

What Happens When You Delay Treatment?

Delaying a deep cleaning allows harmful bacteria to continue damaging your gums and the bone structure that supports your teeth. When left untreated, this ongoing bacterial activity can have serious consequences for your oral health.

One of the first signs of progressing gum disease is gum recession. As bacteria spread, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that deepen over time. These pockets trap even more bacteria, accelerating the damage and making it harder to maintain good oral hygiene.

As the disease advances, it can lead to bone loss. The bacteria begin to break down the bone that anchors your teeth, weakening the foundation and increasing the risk of tooth loss. This stage of gum disease is much more difficult to treat and often requires more aggressive interventions.

Additionally, without adequate gum and bone support, your teeth can become sensitive and unstable. You may begin to notice discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods. In more severe cases, teeth may shift or become loose, affecting both your bite and your confidence.

How Gum Disease Affects Overall Health

Gum disease isn’t just a dental issue. It is also linked to a range of systemic health problems. Chronic inflammation in the gums has been associated with:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Diabetes complications

• Respiratory issues

• Adverse pregnancy outcomes

The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body, increasing your risk for serious health conditions.

Prevention and Early Action Are Key

If you’ve been advised to get a deep cleaning, it’s important to follow through promptly. Early intervention can stop gum disease from progressing and save you from more invasive procedures later, such as surgery or tooth replacement. Dr. Angelo Pissani and our team are here to help you maintain healthy gums and a confident smile. 

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning or you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums or bad breath, it may be time to schedule a deep cleaning. Contact Sequoia Station Dental Care to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward better oral and overall health. Visit our office in Redwood City, California, or call (650) 305-3600 today.