Key takeaways
- Plaque hardens into tartar that a toothbrush can’t remove; professional cleanings stop this buildup and protect your gums.
- Untreated gum disease can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
- Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist at Arrow Dental Arts uses gentle, modern techniques to prevent, detect, and treat gum disease early.
- Personalized home care plus regular cleanings every 3–6 months offers the best long-term protection.
Gum disease is one of the most common—and most overlooked—oral health problems in adults. It often begins quietly as bleeding gums or bad breath and can progress to periodontitis, a chronic infection that breaks down the bone and ligaments holding your teeth in place.
The leading way to stop this process is refreshingly simple: regular professional cleanings. At Arrow Dental Arts, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist focuses on prevention-first care that keeps gums healthy, bone strong, and your smile stable for the long term.How gum disease starts and why cleanings matter
- Plaque forms daily: Bacteria combine with food particles and saliva to create a sticky film called plaque.
- Tartar (calculus) hardens fast: Within 24–72 hours, plaque can harden into tartar that adheres to teeth above and below the gumline. Tartar can’t be brushed away at home.
- Inflammation follows: The bacteria in plaque and tartar trigger inflammation (gingivitis). Gums look red, bleed when brushing, or feel tender.
- Bone damage can occur: If inflammation persists, it can progress to periodontitis. The body’s immune response begins to break down the bone and connective tissue around teeth, causing pockets, recession, mobility, and eventually tooth loss.
Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar from areas your toothbrush and floss can’t reach, interrupting this disease cycle. By keeping bacterial levels low and gum tissues healthy, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist helps prevent the bone loss and tooth loss associated with periodontitis.
What to expect during a preventive cleaning at Arrow Dental Arts Your visit is comfortable, thorough, and tailored to your needs. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist and hygiene team typically provide:
- Periodontal evaluation: We assess your gums for bleeding, pocket depths, recession, and signs of inflammation. Digital X-rays, when appropriate, help us monitor bone levels and detect hidden calculus.
- Gentle scaling: Using ultrasonic instruments and precision hand scalers, we remove plaque and tartar from above and just below the gumline where bacteria thrive.
- Polish and biofilm control: We smooth tooth surfaces to make it harder for new plaque to stick.
- Personalized coaching: You’ll get targeted tips on brushing technique, flossing or interdental brush use, water flossers, and products for sensitivity or dry mouth.
- Custom recall plan: Depending on your risk level, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist may recommend cleanings every 3, 4, or 6 months to keep gums healthy year-round.
When deeper cleaning is necessary If gum pockets are deeper and tartar has collected beneath the gums, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist may recommend scaling and root planing (a “deep cleaning”). This conservative, nonsurgical treatment:
- Numbs the area for comfort
- Removes bacteria and tartar from beneath the gums
- Smooths root surfaces so gums can reattach more tightly
- Reduces pocket depths and inflammation
In some cases, we may suggest localized antibiotics, antimicrobial rinses, or laser-assisted therapy to enhance healing. After a deep cleaning, periodontal maintenance visits—typically every 3–4 months—help prevent reinfection and guard your bone health.
Signs of gum disease you shouldn’t ignore Contact Arrow Dental Arts if you notice:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Puffy, red, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Gum recession or teeth looking “longer”
- Spaces forming between teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together
- Sensitivity along the gumline
The risks of leaving gum disease untreated
- Bone loss: The jawbone that anchors your teeth can gradually dissolve, reducing support.
- Tooth mobility and loss: As attachment is lost, teeth loosen and may shift or fall out.
- Restorative complications: Crowns, bridges, and implants are more likely to fail in an inflamed mouth.
- Systemic links: Research links chronic periodontal inflammation with higher risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Managing gum health supports whole-body wellness.
Who is at higher risk Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist pays special attention to risk factors that can accelerate gum disease:
- Smoking or vaping
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Dry mouth from medications or medical conditions
- Crowded teeth or ill-fitting dental work that traps plaque
- Genetic predisposition
- High stress and poor sleep, which can impact immune response
How to protect your gums between visits Daily habits are powerful. Combine regular cleanings with these steps:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste; angle bristles toward the gumline.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
- Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthrinse if recommended by our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist.
- Limit frequent snacking and sugary or acidic beverages; sip water during and after meals.
- Quit smoking and manage stress; both improve gum health and healing.
- Address dry mouth with hydration, sugar-free xylitol gum, and saliva substitutes if needed; discuss medication side effects with your physician.
Why choose Arrow Dental Arts in Rancho Cucamonga Prevention is the heart of what we do. At Arrow Dental Arts, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist offers:
- Comprehensive periodontal exams with modern diagnostics
- Gentle cleanings and deep cleanings tailored to your comfort
- Clear explanations and photos so you can see what we see
- Personalized recall intervals to prevent relapse
- Conservative, evidence-based care that prioritizes saving your natural teeth
We’re proud to support families across Rancho Cucamonga with friendly service, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to long-term oral health.How often should you get a cleaning?
The classic twice-a-year schedule is a good starting point, but it isn’t right for everyone. If you have a history of gum disease, diabetes, dry mouth, or smoke, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist may recommend cleanings every 3–4 months.
More frequent maintenance keeps bacterial levels controlled and helps protect the bone around your teeth.Your next step If it’s been a while since your last professional cleaning—or if you’ve noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession—schedule an appointment with our Rancho Cucamonga Dentist at Arrow Dental Arts.
Regular cleanings do more than polish your smile. They halt gum disease, protect the bone that supports your teeth, and reduce the risk of tooth loss. Let our team help you build a simple, sustainable plan to keep your gums healthy for life.