You’ll want to consider a periodontal maintenance program as part of your family’s preventive dental care. A periodontal maintenance program goes beyond routine cleanings to target gum disease, remove hidden plaque and tartar, and monitor any changes in your gum health. By combining professional visits with consistent at-home care, you can reduce the risk of tooth loss, costly restorative treatments, and even systemic health issues linked to gum inflammation.

Belmont Dental emphasizes insurance-friendly options, patient comfort, and long-term oral wellness. Whether you’re managing a history of periodontitis or looking to protect healthy gums, our team will tailor a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Understand periodontal maintenance

What is periodontal maintenance

Periodontal maintenance involves specialized cleanings and exams for patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease. Unlike a standard professional teeth cleaning, which focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline, periodontal maintenance dives below the gumline to control infection and inflammation.

Procedure	Focus	Frequency	Target patients
Routine cleaning	Supragingival plaque and surface stains	Every 6 months	Patients with healthy gums
Periodontal maintenance	Subgingival debridement and pocket care	Every 3–4 months¹	Individuals with history of gum disease

¹Periodontal maintenance intervals typically range from three to four months for most patients [1].

Who needs a program

You may benefit from a periodontal maintenance program if you’ve experienced any of the following:

• A previous diagnosis of periodontitis or aggressive gum disease
• Measured gum pocket depths exceeding 3 millimeters during a gum disease evaluation
• Signs of gum recession, bleeding, or persistent bad breath
• A higher risk profile due to diabetes, smoking, or a family history of periodontal issues

By enrolling in a dedicated gum-care plan, you’ll receive the deeper cleanings and frequent monitoring necessary to maintain gum stability and protect your teeth.

Discover professional benefits

Deep cleaning procedures

During periodontal maintenance visits, a dental hygienist or periodontist will perform:

• Scaling and root planing: removing bacteria and hardened deposits from root surfaces
• Supragingival and subgingival cleaning: battling bacterial colonies both above and below the gumline²
• Ultrasonic debridement: using high-frequency vibrations to break up stubborn tartar

These targeted procedures help control infection, encourage tissue reattachment, and prevent further bone loss that could lead to tooth mobility.

²As explained by a periodontist, effective periodontal maintenance combines supragingival and subgingival cleaning to fight disease (“Periodontal maintenance explained by a periodontist”, PerioCafe).

Expert monitoring

Every maintenance visit includes a comprehensive exam:

• Measuring gum pocket depths and noting any changes
• Evaluating signs of inflammation or infection
• Checking for early indicators of oral cancer during an oral cancer screening
• Updating your comprehensive dental assessment based on findings

Regular professional monitoring allows your dentist to catch issues early, adjust your care plan, and recommend additional treatments if needed.

Practice at-home care

Brushing and flossing techniques

Your daily routine plays a crucial role in periodontal maintenance. To maximize effectiveness:

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, using gentle circular motions
• Floss once daily, curving the floss around each tooth to remove plaque at the gumline
• Consider adjuncts like interdental brushes or water flossers for tight spaces

Adhering to proper technique helps prevent new bacterial buildup and supports the work done during professional visits.

Oral hygiene additions

In addition to brushing and flossing, incorporate these practices:

• Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids
• Limit sugary and acidic snacks that can fuel plaque growth
• Follow your custom maintenance plan, including any custom dental hygiene plan recommendations from your hygienist

By blending at-home care with professional services, you’ll sustain healthier gums and fresher breath.

Personalize recall intervals

Standard recommendations

Most dental professionals recommend scheduling periodontal maintenance every three to four months. This interval allows for:

• Removal of new deposits before they become problematic
• Frequent assessment of pocket depth and tissue health
• Timely intervention to prevent progression of disease

However, studies show varying outcomes based on individual compliance. Patients with an average recall of 5.5 months lost 0.12 teeth per year, versus 0.36 teeth for those recalling every 11.6 months [2]. Overall, more frequent visits correlate with better tooth retention.

Risk-based scheduling

Emerging research suggests fixed recall intervals may not suit everyone. Factors influencing your ideal schedule include:

• Severity of previous periodontal disease
• Rate of plaque accumulation
• Systemic health conditions (diabetes, immune issues)
• Smoking status and genetic predispositions

By assessing your risk profile, your dentist can recommend a personalized timeline—five-month recalls may work for some, while others require three-month maintenance. This tailored approach optimizes results without unnecessary visits.

Maximize insurance coverage

Insurance-friendly options

Belmont Dental is an insurance accepted dental office that partners with most major providers. To make periodontal maintenance affordable:

• We file claims on your behalf for each maintenance visit
• Preventive coverage often reduces your out-of-pocket costs
• Regular maintenance can minimize the need for costly restorative procedures

Ask our front desk for a detailed estimate based on your plan, and take advantage of any benefits available for periodontal care.

Cost considerations

Typical fees for periodontal maintenance range from $100 to $200 per session³. Most plans cover a portion—sometimes up to 100%—of preventive services. Additional cost-saving measures include:

• Bundled preventive dental care plans to cover cleanings and exams
• Flexible payment options for any balance due
• Coordination with medical benefits for related health conditions

³Costs may vary by region and provider (“Do I need periodontal maintenance forever?”, Casas Adobes Dentistry).

If you’re exploring an affordable preventive dentistry package, ask our team how to maximize your coverage for long-term savings.

Choose family dentistry

Belmont Dental’s approach

As your trusted family dental care provider, we offer:

• Family dental care services for patients of all ages
• A preventive dental care plan that integrates periodontal maintenance with fluoride treatments, dental sealant application, and tooth decay prevention program
• Personalized care from a gentle dentist for families focused on comfort and safety

We believe in empowering you with knowledge and tools to manage oral health at home and in our office.

Comfort and safety measures

To ensure a positive experience for your family, we provide:

• Painless dental cleaning techniques and topical anesthetics
• Child-friendly tools and educational resources for younger patients
• Thorough pre-visit consultations to address any anxieties
• Strict infection control protocols, including modern sterilization and air filtration

Our goal is to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Schedule your maintenance

Book your first exam

If you’re new to Belmont Dental, start with a new patient dental exam or a comprehensive dental assessment. During this visit, we’ll:

1. Review your medical and dental history
2. Conduct a full periodontal evaluation
3. Discuss your risk factors and treatment goals
4. Create a personalized maintenance schedule

From there, you can conveniently add periodontal maintenance visits to your calendar.

Stay on track

Consistency matters. To help you keep up with your periodontal maintenance program:

• We send automated reminders via text or email for upcoming visits
• You’ll receive summaries of each appointment, including home-care tips
• Our team is just a call away for scheduling adjustments or questions

By partnering with Belmont Dental, you can protect your smile—and your family’s smiles—for years to come.

Your periodontal maintenance program is more than a series of cleanings—it’s an investment in lasting oral health, overall well-being, and peace of mind. Contact Belmont Dental today to schedule your next routine dental checkup or discuss how our preventive plans can fit your family’s needs.

References

1. (Graham Egger DDS)
2. (NCBI)