If your hygienist has informed you that you need a “deep cleaning,” or scaling and root planing, it means that there is an active infection in your gums called periodontal disease. This has resulted in bone loss around your teeth and have caused your gums to be inflammed and to bleed easily. The only way to stop the disease process from worsening, is to remove the bacteria that is harbored deep underneath the gums. If the periodontal disease progresses, it may result in loss of a tooth.