You are sitting down at your favorite café, enjoying your morning latte. You take a sip and feel something odd between your front teeth. As you run your tongue over the space, it feels bigger than it used to. You pause, wondering why there’s a gap where your teeth once felt snug. You’ve recently had a deep cleaning at your dentist’s office, could that be the reason? And if so, what can you do about it?
This experience is more common than you might think. Many people notice changes in their smiles after a deep cleaning, especially if they’ve had periodontal issues or significant plaque buildup. Below, we’ll explore why gaps in teeth sometimes appear after a deep cleaning and what you can do to address them.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, often called scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure to remove hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from beneath the gumline. It’s usually recommended when someone shows signs of gum disease (periodontitis), such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or visible tartar around the gum margins. Unlike a standard routine cleaning, deep cleaning goes beneath the surface to smooth out the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach more securely to the teeth.
Why Gaps Appear After a Deep Cleaning
- Gum Recession: When there’s a buildup of plaque and tartar, the gums may become inflamed and swollen, often masking the actual shape of the gumline. Once the dental hygienist removes the tartar, the inflammation can subside, causing the gums to sit at a lower, healthier position. If there was significant tartar buildup, you might suddenly notice more space around your teeth, making it seem like a “new gap” has formed.
- Reduced Swelling: Inflammation can make the gums look puffy and fill the spaces between teeth more than usual. After a deep cleaning, as the inflammation subsides, those puffy areas shrink back to their natural size. This change can give the impression of a newly formed space or a gap.
- Actual Shifting: In rare cases, if there is advanced periodontal disease and significant bone loss, teeth may actually shift position once the tartar support is gone. You can consider tartar as a wedge holding two teeth in place. When it’s removed, the teeth may move slightly. However, this is more common in severe periodontal cases.
- Awareness: Sometimes, the gap was there all along, but you just didn’t notice it before the deep cleaning. Once your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, your tongue might become more sensitive to subtle spaces and surfaces, causing you to perceive or feel gaps that were previously overlooked.
Should You Be Worried?
Not necessarily. For many people, this phenomenon is a cosmetic or minor functional concern rather than a serious dental health issue—especially if it’s due to inflammation subsiding or an increase in oral awareness. The presence of gaps can be a sign that your gums are healing and returning to a healthier state. However, if you feel pain, sensitivity, or you notice continuous changes in tooth alignment, it’s important to consult your dentist for a thorough assessment.
Potential Solutions and Treatments
- Good Oral Hygiene Practices
The simplest step is to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using an antibacterial mouthwash can prevent plaque buildup. Floss or use interdental brushes to clean the spaces between teeth, ensuring any small gaps do not become larger due to renewed tartar formation.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups
Schedule follow-up cleanings and check-ups with your dentist or periodontist to keep an eye on any changes. Consistent visits help catch any emerging issues early—such as new plaque buildup, gum recession, or minor tooth movements—so corrective measures can be taken before a small concern becomes a bigger problem.
- Orthodontic Evaluation
If the gap is bothersome or large enough to affect your bite, you might consider consulting an orthodontist. Sometimes, minor gaps can be corrected with clear aligners or braces, gently guiding the teeth into a more favorable position.
- Restorative Solutions
If a gap is accompanied by structural or aesthetic issues, restorative treatments such as veneers, crowns, or bonding may help. These procedures can enhance both the appearance and function of teeth, though they’re typically reserved for cases where teeth are chipped, heavily worn, or significantly misaligned.
- Periodontal Treatments
In cases of severe gum disease, you may need additional periodontal procedures—like gum grafts—to help restore a healthier gumline and stabilize your teeth. This can minimize the appearance of gaps and improve the overall stability of your mouth.
- Long-Term Maintenance
Once you’ve addressed any immediate concerns, focus on prevention. This means being consistent about daily brushing and flossing, using non-abrasive toothpaste, and perhaps investing in a water flosser if recommended by your dentist. Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks can also reduce plaque formation.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Seeing a gap after a deep cleaning can be surprising and even unsettling. Yet, it’s often a positive sign that your gums are healing and free of infection. Keep up with daily oral care, schedule regular dental appointments, and be aware of changes in your mouth. The more you know, the more empowered you’ll feel in making decisions that protect your smile.
A Note for Future Care
If you’re worried about gaps or dealing with missing teeth, there are plenty of treatment options that can restore both the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth. The treatment ranges from orthodontic adjustments to implant solutions.
Achieve a Healthier Smile: Consult Dr. Javadi Today
Dr. Javadi at Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants is a top dental implant specialist known for her exceptional expertise in periodontics and restorative dentistry. Her personalized approach ensures that each patient receives solutions to regain their confidence and oral health.
Looking to address those new gaps or learn more about comprehensive solutions for your oral health? Schedule a consultation with Dr Javadi at Orchid Periodontics & Dental Implants and explore your options.
Additional Reads: How Much is Teeth Cleaning Without Insurance? Cost Breakdown
