I completely understand why many people misunderstand the concept of periodontal maintenance vs. a “cleaning.”  I know I have accidentally called the periodontal maintenance appointment a “cleaning” when talking to patients.

FYI:  While many of the components are the same, a periodontal maintenance appointment has specific guidelines set by the ADA and is performed on patients who have at some point undergone periodontal therapy and thus have a history of periodontal disease. The ADA further mandates that this be performed for the lifetime of your teeth.

Keep in mind, the ADA has set these standards based on the value to your total health not just your dental health.