Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a chronic infection that is most often caused by the build up of dental plaque. Gum disease rarely shows symptoms before it is well advanced. It is an infection that can wreak havoc on your teeth and your overall health.

Some researches show that up to 80 percent of Canadians will be affect by gum disease at some point in their lives. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in Canada. The incidence of severe gum disease increases with age and affects one in seven of those in middle age and one in three elderly people.

Gum disease can be prevented. Prevention starts with good dental care habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Flossing reaches the places the toothbrush can't, about one-third of the tooth surface. Practice good overall health habits. Eating a well-balanced diet and quitting smoking improves your overall health and your oral health.

A professional cleaning done in a dental office is the only effective way to remove the hardened tarter that leads to gum disease.