A deep teeth cleaning is a process called scaling and root planing. While similar to an ordinary tooth cleaning, it also cleans any tooth roots exposed due to gum recession. Gums can recede if you brush your teeth too hard, literally wearing away the delicate tissue. However, gum recession often occurs because of gum infection or gum disease.When the gums pull away from the teeth and recede, it can create deep pockets or gaps between the teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets. These pockets provide the ideal environment for anaerobic (oxygen hating) bacteria to thrive, so gum disease soon worsens. A deep tooth cleaning removes these harmful bacteria from deep inside the periodontal pockets. Afterward, the gums can fight the infection more easily, so they begin to heal and fit more snugly around your teeth.