Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is caused by plaque that builds up on the teeth, especially under the gumline. This sticky plaque attracts bacteria and eventually turns into a hard substance known as calculus. Calculus and bacteria irritate the gums and can create pockets of infection around the teeth.
Periodontal disease is a serious condition, which has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, it is a "silent" disease in that, without proper screening, it can progress in severity without an individual even realizing it.
Brushing twice daily and flossing every evening using proper technique will help remove a lot of plaque, but even the most diligent brusher and flosser may have a hard time cleaning off all of it, especially the plaque that hides under the gumline.
You can improve your chances of preventing periodontal disease by getting twice-yearly professional dental cleanings as recommended by the American Dental Association. At these visits, we screen for periodontal disease. How we address your gum disease depends a great deal on how advanced it is and how much damage it has caused. If you require treatment, we will be sure to fully inform you of what is needed, and we are committed to helping restore your gums to health.
We can help you prevent periodontal disease and treat the problem should it occur.