![teeth yellowing at the bottom](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/debridement-cut-sheet/Image_002.jpg)
Without regular dental cleanings, harmful bacteria and hard deposits called calculus build up on your teeth above and below your gums, releasing harmful toxins that can lead to gingivitis- inflamed and bleeding gums.
![a blue tooth brush over teeth](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/debridement-cut-sheet/Image_004.jpg)
This buildup occurs in areas that cannot be reached by brushing, flossing, or even regular dental cleaning.
![teeth being flossed](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/debridement-cut-sheet/Image_006.jpg)
Your dentist may recommend a procedure called debridement to remove these deposits from your teeth.
![teeth being scraped with a tool](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/debridement-cut-sheet/Image_008.jpg)
Debridement is usually performed with an ultrasonic cleaner, which uses high-frequency vibration to separate the calculus from the tooth.
![teeth that have been cleaned](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/debridement-cut-sheet/Image_010.jpg)
In many cases, this can bring your gums back to health. Your doctor can help you determine the best next steps in your treatment.
![a front view of a bottom row of teeth](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/debridement-cut-sheet/Image_012.jpg)
If these symptoms are not treated, they may lead to periodontitis and bone loss, requiring more advanced procedures to remedy.
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