Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning designed for patients who have been treated for gum disease. Once gum disease (periodontitis) has been diagnosed and treated, regular maintenance visits are essential to keep it from returning and to protect the health of your teeth and gums.

During a periodontal maintenance visit, our dental hygienist will:

  • Carefully remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
  • Clean and smooth the roots of your teeth to discourage bacteria buildup
  • Check the depth of your gum pockets to monitor healing and stability
  • Review your at-home oral hygiene routine and offer personalized tips

These visits are typically scheduled every 3–4 months, depending on your individual needs. This frequency allows us to control harmful bacteria before they can cause further damage.

Why It Matters:
Gum disease is a chronic condition that can’t be “cured” but can be managed successfully with consistent care. Without maintenance, gum disease can progress, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. It can also impact your overall health, with links to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.

Our goal is to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. With regular periodontal maintenance, you can enjoy comfortable, functional teeth and keep your gums strong and disease-free.  

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Clenching and grinding teeth
  • Medication
  • Poor nutrition

Periodontal Disease

Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Learn more about periodontal maintenance through our Patient Education library.