Periodontal or gum disease affects most people in varying degrees but only becomes serious in around 15% of the population. It is caused when your body’s reaction to bacteria in the plaque gradually leads to loss of the natural bond or attachment of the tooth to the gum. When this happens small pockets are created which are impossible to clean allowing the bacteria to continue destroying the attachment and eventually leads to loss of bone supporting the teeth. At the same time calculus (tartar) forms in hidden places below the gum.

The aim of treatment is to remove calculus, prevent new calculus formation by working with patients to optimise their plaque control, and in some carefully selected cases surgically reshape the gingival (gum) tissue.

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