Can periodontitis be controlled by teeth cleaning?

For early or mild periodontitis, teeth cleaning can effectively control the condition; however, for moderate to severe periodontitis, teeth cleaning alone is insufficient and must be combined with deep periodontal treatment to manage the disease. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention.

In early periodontitis, symptoms mainly include redness and swelling of the gums and minor tartar buildup. Teeth cleaning effectively removes tartar and dental plaque above the gumline, eliminating sources of inflammation. After cleaning, with proper oral care, gum inflammation gradually subsides, symptoms such as bleeding and bad breath improve, and disease progression can be effectively prevented.

For patients with moderate to severe periodontitis, tartar has already extended deep into the periodontal pockets beneath the gumline, which cannot be removed by regular teeth cleaning. If only routine cleaning is performed, residual tartar will continue to erode the alveolar bone, leading to deeper periodontal pockets and loose teeth, allowing the disease to progress. In such cases, scaling and root planing are required after cleaning to remove deep-seated tartar, and medication may be needed when necessary to properly control the condition.

It is recommended to rinse your mouth with warm tea after meals to suppress bacterial growth using tea polyphenols; use a floss pick monthly to clean between teeth, followed by self-examination of gum health using a dental mirror; and schedule a periodontal check-up every three months to detect tartar buildup early and prevent recurrence.