Periodontitis (gum disease) is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected. It is a serious gum disease that can damage soft tissues and bone that supports your teeth, resulting in tooth loss or in serious cases an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Periodontitis is common but largely preventable. Periodontitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental check-ups can greatly reduce your chance of developing periodontitis.

If periodontitis isn’t advanced, non-surgical treatments can be used to prevent worsening. These including Scaling, which is the removal of tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums. Root planning, smoothing out the root surfaces discouraging further build up of tartar and bacterial endotoxin. Antibiotics recommended by the periodontist can also be used to eliminate infection causing bacteria.