Deep-cleanings are recommended for patients who have periodontal (or gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and bones that support your teeth. Often times this persistent disease does not cause discomfort but may show signs such as blood in your spit, swollen gums, or loose teeth, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. Scaling and root planing is often the first step at treating your periodontal disease. If it progresses, patient options include more costly gum surgeries.