Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.

Professional dental cleanings are needed at least twice a year to maintain good oral health. Many people require a routine cleaning three or four times a year because of the buildup of plaque and tartar that they accumulate.

If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease.

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious diseases that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to possible health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth (more about this later).

Whether it is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this point forward.

• We are on the same team!
• Why do I need a prophylaxis (professional cleaning)?
• What is plaque?
• What is calculus (tartar)?
• What does a professional cleaning do that I can't do for myself?
• What causes periodontal disease?
• How can I tell if I have gum disease?
• What can I do to prevent gum disease?
• Who gets periodontal disease?
• How is periodontal disease treated?
• What are the risk factors?