Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection caused by plaque that destroys the bone and fibers holding teeth in place. Some people are more at risk than others. Smoking, stress, certain medications, diabetes, and poor hygiene are some things that can increase your risk. The first way to treat this disease is called scaling and root planing. The goal with scaling and root planing is to stop the infection by cleaning and disinfecting the roots of the teeth above and below the gums, where bacteria produce toxins that irritate your gums and cause gum infections. This procedure takes place in two visits, during which the hygienist may use a local anesthetic to treat one half of your mouth at a time. 

Periodontal disease cannot be cured, but much like diabetes, it is a chronic condition that can be controlled. Unfortunately, once damage to bone levels has occurred, it is generally permanent. Good disease control is a team effort that depends upon your careful oral hygiene at home and frequent office visits to monitor and maintain your gums and bone levels.