If plaque and tartar are left on the teeth, it provides the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria then irritates your gums, which means that they can bleed more easily. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Normally, most people visit the dentist in order to have a regular hygiene checkup and teeth cleaning which works to control the build up of this bacteria.

However, if gingivitis is not treated and nothing is done about it, the inflammation will work it’s way down towards the foundation of the teeth causing a “pocket”. Inside this newly-formed pocket, bacteria can thrive and can cause even more damage. This can end up becoming quite a severe situation for the patient, ultimately leading towards periodontal disease itself.

If you have active periodontal disease, our dental team performs what is called a “Deep Cleaning”, a process that consists of Scaling and Root Planing.