Is it really important for me to have regualr checkups and hygiene care?
Regular checkups are important. During an examination, your gums are evaluated for periodontal disease. Dr. Pitts and Joy or Callie, the hygienists, look at many things, including the color and firmness of the gums. A very small instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently measure the space between the teeth and gums. This determines whether periodontal pockets are present. The normal space between teeth and healthy gums should be three millimeters or less. Generally, the more advanced the gum disease, the greater the pocket size. Except in unusual cases, you can help prevent gum disease by following through with recommended home care. Avoiding tobacco use and other healthy measures such as eating a balanced diet are important for optimum dental health. Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may not remove all the plaque, especially around the gum line. Plaque can harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus or tartar. Once hardened, it can be removed only in the
