Periodontal health refers to the health and condition of the teeth and their support system of soft tissue and bone. When poor hygiene and home care exist, tissues become diseased and inflamed, resulting in red, puffy gums that bleed excessively. Pockets develop under the tissues that accumulate even more bacteria, soft tissue attachment is lost, and bone support eventually recedes, leaving less bone around the roots of the teeth. Ultimately, teeth will be lost if no effective intervention occurs. The best treatment for this condition is prevention! Our expert hygiene team will assist you in preventing this condition in the first place with great teaching and instruction as well as comfortable, efficient cleaning of the deposits on your teeth that can lead to periodontal disease. Regular recall visits every six months is the standard of care. Aside from the obvious threat of tooth loss that periodontal disease can cause, more recent research shows that patients with active bleeding and inflammation in their mouth from any source results in a higher incidence of coronary artery disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and other systemic effects. By simply leaving diseased bleeding tissues untreated, means you could be more at risk for a heart attack! We take this threat seriously, and we are actively involved in the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (www.aaosh.org) in an effort to stay on top of research in this area and effective therapies and testing for risk. We employ the latest therapies, including laser-assisted periodontal care, ultrasonic instrumentation, and appropriate antibiotics upon testing, using genetic assays. Dr. Brad and his staff stay up to date on current therapy, and they will consider your overall physical health, of which your teeth are an integral part.