If your gums are bleeding or feeling swollen and tender, you might need a deep dental cleaning, aka tooth scaling and root planing. Here's what to expect.

Periodontal treatment included a cleaning and 2 weeks of chlorhexidine therapy. There were no improvements in spirometry measurements. Perspective from Bruce V. Freeman, DDS, DOrtho, MSc ...

A visit to the dentist doesn't have to be something to dread. Find out what usually happens, what you can expect at that first visit, what care you may need, and how to make it easier on yourself.

Brushing and then immediately rinsing out a toothpaste that has fluoride could negate the benefits, she said. “The longer the fluoride sits on the teeth, the greater effect it has,” Messina added.