Helping Patients Maintain Healthy Gums After Treatment
Dr. Fred Alger reminds his patients that gum disease is a condition that must be controlled, not cured. Even after successful treatment, periodontal disease can return — especially when the infection was severe or affected multiple teeth. That’s why ongoing periodontal maintenance is a crucial part of protecting your oral health long-term.
At our Gahanna, Ohio office, we help patients manage their gum health through consistent professional cleanings, customized home-care plans, and close collaboration with your general dentist.
Why Periodontal Maintenance Matters
When periodontal disease is left untreated, bacteria below the gum line can cause chronic inflammation that leads to bone loss, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss. Even after deep cleaning or surgical treatment, the mouth continues to be susceptible to reinfection.
That’s why periodontal maintenance visits are recommended every three to four months. These specialized dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar buildup, and bacteria that ordinary brushing and flossing can’t reach. Regular maintenance protects the supporting structures of your teeth and helps you maintain healthy gums for life.
During each visit, Dr. Alger and his dental hygienist team will:
- Measure periodontal pockets to monitor improvement
- Remove plaque, tartar, and food particles above and below the gum line
- Evaluate the condition of your gum tissue and bone support
- Reinforce good oral hygiene habits and provide tailored home-care instructions
These steps help prevent new gum infection and reduce the risk of future complications.
What Happens During a Periodontal Maintenance Visit
A periodontal maintenance appointment is more comprehensive than a standard routine cleaning. Depending on your condition, the process may include:
- Evaluation of Gum Health
Your hygienist measures pocket depth and checks for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or tartar buildup. - Removal of Bacterial Plaque and Tartar
Using precision instruments, we clean both above (supragingival) and below (subgingival) the gum line to remove bacterial colonies. - Root Planing if Needed
In deeper areas, gentle root planing smooths the root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to attach and grow. - Irrigation or Medication
For persistent inflammation, antimicrobial rinses may be applied to reduce bacteria and support healing. - Review of Oral Hygiene and Home Care
We’ll help you refine your brushing and flossing techniques and discuss lifestyle adjustments like reducing smoking and improving nutrition.
This approach ensures your gums remain stable between visits and your periodontal health continues to improve.
The Difference Between Routine Cleaning and Periodontal Maintenance
A regular dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and stains from above the gums. A periodontal maintenance cleaning, on the other hand, is designed for patients who have a history of gum disease or have undergone scaling and root planing.
| Type of Cleaning | Focus Area | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis) | Above the gum line (preventive) | Every 6 months |
| Periodontal Maintenance | Above and below the gum line (therapeutic) | Every 3–4 months after initial treatment |
Regular periodontal cleanings are vital to prevent the progression of periodontal disease and to keep bacterial levels under control.
How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance Visits?
The frequency of your visits depends on your specific needs, the severity of your gum disease, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene at home. Dr. Alger typically recommends periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months.
Patients with certain risk factors, such as diabetes, heart disease, or a history of smoking, may need more frequent visits to reduce inflammation and protect overall health.
Staying consistent with periodontal maintenance therapy also allows our team to detect early changes before they lead to significant damage.
The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Health
Research continues to show a strong connection between gum disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Chronic gum inflammation allows harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, affecting your immune system and increasing the risk of other health issues.
By maintaining good periodontal health, you are protecting your overall health too. Regular professional care, combined with effective home hygiene, can reduce inflammation and support your entire body’s well-being.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums at Home
Between visits, Dr. Alger encourages all patients to keep a consistent home-care routine that supports their professional cleanings:
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or use interdental cleaners to remove plaque between teeth
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended
- Avoid smoking or tobacco use, which slows healing and increases infection risk
- Eat a balanced diet to support tissue health and the body’s immune response
- Schedule professional cleanings on time and follow all post-care instructions
These daily habits, combined with ongoing periodontal maintenance, are the best defense against gum disease recurrence.
Periodontal Maintenance for Dental Implants
If you have dental implants, maintaining gum health is especially important. Implants require the same level of care as natural teeth to prevent peri-implant disease, a condition similar to periodontitis. During maintenance visits, we clean around the implants carefully to protect the surrounding bone and ensure your restoration lasts for years to come.
A Partnership for Lifelong Gum Health
Effective management of periodontal disease is a partnership between you, Dr. Alger, and your dental team. Together, we can prevent further problems, protect your investment in treatment, and maintain your healthy teeth and gums for life.