What effect does poor oral hygiene have on tooth loss after subgingival scaling?

Poor oral hygiene has a significant impact on tooth loss after subgingival scaling. When periodontal therapy, such as scaling, is performed, it aims to remove biofilm and calculus from beneath the gum line, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, if a patient does not maintain good oral hygiene following this procedure, the risk of re-establishing periodontal disease increases.

Inadequate oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of plaque and calculus once again, which can cause inflammation in the gums and, subsequently, loss of supporting tissues including the bone that holds the teeth in place. This ongoing cycle of disease and tissue loss can accelerate tooth mobility and ultimately result in increased tooth loss.

The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices after such treatments cannot be overstated, as they directly correlate with the success of periodontal therapy and the preservation of tooth structure. Therefore, the relationship between poor oral hygiene and tooth loss after subgingival scaling is well established in periodontal studies, affirming that neglecting oral hygiene can indeed lead to an increased likelihood of tooth loss.