Periodontal disease is a lifelong condition that can be controlled, but not cured. Frequent maintenance visits with professional cleanings are imperative to successfully treating and preventing recurrence of periodontal disease.
Genetics plays a large role (studies show up to 50%) in a patient’s susceptibility to periodontal disease. For some people, brushing and flossing, no matter how well or often it is done, is not enough to prevent gum disease. Professional cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist, if done at consistent intervals, is imperative to maintaining a healthy periodontium. The frequency of maintenance visits (checkups) is customized to each patient’s needs and susceptibility to gum disease, but usually ranges between every 3 months and 1 year.