“Do I really need a deep gum cleaning?”

If you have calculus and plaque below the gums and if you have periodontal pockets and bone loss around the teeth, yes you will need deep gum cleaning known as scaling and root planing..

Listen to the hygienist when she does a dental probing. Normal pockets are 1-3 mm. If you hear her say 4, 5, 6, 7, 8...you for sure need a deep cleaning.

Yes if you have gum disease called periodontal disease. The deep cleaning is done to eliminate the bacteria and infection below the gum line, to prevent further bone loss around the teeth.

The X-rays would pretty much tell if you have subgingival tartar build-up, then you would need a deep cleaning.

There are a lot of variables that can lead to a deep gum cleaning, what dentists call scaling and root planing. There is an area between your teeth and gums that dentists measure for "pockets". Generally, 1-3 mm is normal and healthy. If the pockets are deeper, let's say 6-10 mm then a deep cleaning is usually the best way to go. There are medical conditions, oral hygiene issues, family history issues, medications, history of dental work and tobacco use which can make a deep cleaning more necessary. The argument against the deep cleaning is that you are young and that dentists make a lot more money billing scaling and root planing than they can for a normal cleaning. If you have any doubts, you can always seek out reviews and get a second opinion to see if it is necessary for you. If you hear it from more than one dentist, the deep cleaning might be the best for the long term health of your gums and teeth. 

Marc D. Thomas, DDS

The quick answer is yes, especially if there is family or personal history of gum disease. To avoid in the future, take better care of your gums and teeth, e.g., use total protection mouth rinse, brush longer and/or more often (at least 2X a day) and eat a more nutritious diet.

Deep cleanings are specific to the patient. Someone needs a deep cleaning when they have gum disease that has progressed and is affecting the bone around their teeth. Or, if they have a lot of tartar accumulation. It is definitely possible to need a deep cleaning as a child or young adult, but ask your dentist if you have further questions, since they will be able to let you know the specific reason they scheduled you for that treatment.