At Once Upon A Smile, caring for your gums doesn’t stop when periodontal treatment is complete. For patients who have been treated for periodontal (gum) disease, periodontal maintenance cleanings provide ongoing care to help manage gum health over time.

These visits are different from routine preventive cleanings and are tailored to the needs of patients with a history of periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized dental cleaning performed after treatment for periodontal disease. It focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and from areas below the gumline that may be more difficult to keep clean at home.

Periodontal disease can change the way the gums and supporting tissues fit around the teeth. Because of these changes, ongoing maintenance allows your dental team to clean these areas carefully and continue monitoring your gum health.

During a periodontal maintenance visit, your dental hygienist may:

Remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
Clean around areas where deeper periodontal pockets are present
Evaluate the health of your gums and monitor for changes
Review home-care habits and areas that may need extra attention

Is Periodontal Maintenance the Same as a Routine Cleaning?

No. A routine prophylaxis cleaning is preventive care for patients whose gum health does not require periodontal treatment.

Periodontal maintenance is ongoing care for patients who have already been treated for periodontal disease. Because periodontal disease affects the tissues that support the teeth, these visits may require cleaning below the gumline and closer monitoring of areas affected by the disease.

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is different as well. Scaling and root planing is used to actively treat periodontal disease, while periodontal maintenance helps care for your gums after that initial treatment.

Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Important?

Periodontal disease requires ongoing care even after the initial treatment is complete. Regular periodontal maintenance helps your dental team keep areas around and below the gumline clean and monitor how your gums are responding over time.

These visits can help:

Support healthier gums: Removing plaque and tartar helps control buildup around areas affected by periodontal disease.
Maintain the results of periodontal treatment: Ongoing care helps support the improvements made during your initial treatment.
Monitor your periodontal health: Regular visits allow us to watch for changes in the gums, periodontal pockets, and other areas that may need attention.
Support the tissues around your teeth: Managing periodontal health helps care for the gums and bone that support your teeth.

If we notice an area that may need additional attention, we’ll explain what we’re seeing and discuss what care may be appropriate.

How Often Do You Need Periodontal Maintenance?

Many patients receiving periodontal maintenance return about every three to four months, although the right schedule depends on your individual periodontal health and risk factors.

Research and professional guidance support more frequent follow-up after periodontal treatment, commonly within a range of approximately three to six months. Your dentist and hygienist will recommend a schedule based on factors such as your gum health, periodontal pocket depths, treatment history, and how well the condition is being maintained.

Caring for Your Gums Between Visits

Periodontal maintenance works together with good home care. Brushing thoroughly and cleaning between your teeth each day can help control plaque between professional visits.

Your dental team may also recommend specific tools or techniques based on the areas of your mouth that are more difficult to clean.

Supporting Your Gum Health Over Time

Periodontal maintenance is an important part of caring for your gums after treatment for periodontal disease. Keeping up with your recommended visits and daily home care can help support your periodontal health for the long term.

If you have questions about periodontal maintenance or aren’t sure what type of cleaning is right for you, we’re happy to explain what we’re seeing and recommend care based on your individual needs.