Gum Disease Treatment (Deep Cleaning & Scaling)

If your gums bleed when you brush, look red or swollen, or you have noticed persistent bad breath, these can be early signs that gum disease is developing. At Down To Earth Dental in Tacoma, WA, we provide gentle, non-surgical gum disease treatment — including deep cleaning and scaling & root planing — to calm inflammation, remove harmful buildup, and help your gums return to health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It begins when plaque and tartar collect along and beneath the gumline, triggering inflammation. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, the gums become red and bleed easily, but the condition is often reversible. When left unchecked, it can advance to periodontitis, where pockets form between the gums and teeth and the underlying bone can begin to break down.

Non-Surgical Treatment at Our Two Tacoma Offices

Most cases of gum disease respond well to conservative, non-surgical care. Our approach centers on thoroughly cleaning below the gumline and creating the conditions in which your gums can heal and reattach.

Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Often called a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is the cornerstone of periodontal therapy. During scaling, we carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth and root surfaces below the gumline. Root planing then smooths those root surfaces so bacteria have fewer places to gather and the gum tissue can reattach more comfortably. A local anesthetic is typically used to keep you at ease throughout.

Periodontal Maintenance

Because gum disease is a chronic condition, keeping it under control is an ongoing effort. After active treatment, we may recommend periodontal maintenance visits on a more frequent schedule than a standard cleaning — often every few months — to keep pockets clean, monitor your gum health, and help prevent the disease from returning.

Signs You May Need Gum Disease Treatment

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
• Teeth that feel loose or seem to be shifting
• New sensitivity along the gumline

Why Treating Gum Disease Matters

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Addressing gum disease early is typically simpler and more comfortable, and it helps protect the bone and soft tissue that hold your natural teeth in place. Ongoing research also continues to explore connections between gum health and overall well-being, which is one more reason not to ignore inflamed or bleeding gums.

Comfortable, Personalized Care in Tacoma

Every mouth is different, and so is every treatment plan. Whether the right next step is a deep cleaning, periodontal maintenance, or simply closer monitoring is determined at a consultation, where we evaluate your gums and talk through your goals together.

If you are dealing with bleeding, swollen, or sore gums, we would love to help you feel comfortable and healthy again. Request an appointment at either of our two Tacoma locations — in South Tacoma or Northeast Tacoma — and take the first step toward gums you can feel good about.

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