Periodontal treatment involves treating the gums that surround your teeth. Maintaining healthy disease free gums is a lifelong process that involves brushing after every meal, if possible, and flossing daily. One should also use a quality toothbrush that is changed every 3 months or so. Some patients prefer an electric toothbrush, such as Sonicare, which can be more efficient at removing plaque and stain. We have Sonicare available in our office and will be happy to discuss this option with you. If a problem is diagnosed, however, we can help by performing deep cleanings under anesthesia to remove the hard deposits and stain present under the gums. This allows the gums to reattach to the roots of  teeth and tighten. Less bleeding and healthier gum tissue is the result. Sometimes we will suggest an antibiotic  be placed under the gums in those areas that we feel won’t  respond to deep cleaning alone. Of course, some cases are more advanced and will need the expertise of a periodontist, a specialist educated in the treatment of gum disease through surgical and regenerative techniques. Dr. Hendricks can refer you to a periodontist, if needed.