In addition to your normal cleaning visits, the hygienist collects data to detect any gum disease that may be present. If you happen to have some level of gum disease, we can provide special cleaning procedures in order to get your mouth back to health. Gum tissue pocketing not only jeopardizes the health of your mouth but also your body's overall health. Studies now show a correlation between gum disease and heart problems, diabetes and others. Come visit one of our dental hygiene professionals to check the status of your gum tissue health.

Gingivitis
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called "gingivitis." In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis" (which means "inflammation around the tooth.") In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Risk Factors
•    Smoking. Need another reason to quit smoking? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments
•    Hormonal changes in girls/women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop
•    Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease
•    Stress. Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infection, including periodontal disease
•    Medications. Some drugs, such as antidepressants and some heart medicines, can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva. (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.)
•    Illnesses. Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also affect the health of gums
•    Genetic susceptibility. Some people are more prone to severe periodontal disease than others

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy:
Non-surgical therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage gum disease. This type of treatment may be all that's needed, especially when periodontal disease is caught early. You may also need to have certain procedures, such as replacing worn fillings or crowns with overhanging margins that can accumulate plaque, taken care of before periodontal therapy can begin.
Scaling and Root Planing:
Scaling is a type of cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the teeth at and slightly below the gumline. Root planingsmoothes root surfaces, so the supportive tissues can better reattach to the tooth surface. Often, this will be done with local anesthesia so you can relax and feel nothing as we rehabilitate your gums.
Antibiotics:
Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease and the key to controlling or eliminating it is the effective reduction or elimination of the harmful bacteria. An adjunctive option to scaling and root planing may be provided in either pill form or applied directly to the infected area (gum pocket) in the form of antibiotic powder. An antibacterial mouth rinse also may be prescribed to help control the harmful effects of and reduce bacterial plaque.