Why might spaces appear between teeth after periodontal cleaning?

Spaces may appear between teeth after periodontal cleaning primarily due to the reduction of pocket depth and the decrease in inflammation associated with the periodontal disease. Periodontal therapy, which often includes scaling and root planing, aims to remove plaque, calculus, and bacteria from below the gum line. As these irritants are eliminated, the gums often retract or heal, leading to a reduction in pocket depth. This healing process creates a more stable and healthy environment for the teeth, potentially resulting in spaces that were not noticeable before treatment due to swelling or inflammation.

The physiological changes in the gums after dental cleaning can make the previously tightly spaced teeth appear to have gaps. This phenomenon does not indicate any loss of teeth or progression of disease; rather, it signifies a return to a healthier state for the periodontium, which includes the supporting structures of the teeth.

While teeth movement, remnants of calculus, and dietary changes can impact spacing and oral health, and could contribute to shifts in teeth positions temporarily, they are less directly related to the immediate effects seen after periodontal cleaning compared to the significant changes in pocket depth and inflammation.