If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dental hygienist/dentist may have treatment options available. For advanced stages, you may be given a referral to a periodontist. A periodontist is a specialist in diagnosing, preventing and treating periodontal diseases. Treatment is customised to suit your individual needs. A periodontist will determine how far your condition has progressed and assess how well your body will respond to treatment and therapy. Treatment options include: Your hygienist/ dentist can remove plaque and tartar all the way to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. These build ups are carefully removed with an instrument called a small scaler. An ultrasonic cleaner is often used also. After this deep clean, the tooth’s root surfaces are planed or smoothed. The gum tissue is now able to heal. In the future, plaque will be less likely to accumulate along those root surfaces. As a follow up, you will be instructed on how to care for your teeth and gums as they heal. With regular check-ups, gum disease can be treated in its early stages before it progresses to a more serious condition. Treatment will be necessary if your condition is in an advanced stage. Remember to maintain healthy oral hygiene at home twice daily after your treatment. Back this routine up with a good diet and regular check-ups with your dentist. This way you can prevent periodontal disease from recurring. Brush your teeth and oral cavity twice daily Floss every day See your dentist for regular check ups Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet, avoiding junk food Avoid tobacco products