--- title: Periodontal Disease - Get Regular Professional Cleanings | Picard DDS description: Periodontal Disease is serious. Plaque that stays on the teeth hardens into calculus (tartar), which can only be removed with special dental instruments. --- [![Larry Picard DDS](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/logo.png?width=350&name=logo.png "Larry Picard DDS")](https://www.picarddds.com/) [![Book an appointment](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/book-darkblue.png?width=237&name=book-darkblue.png "Book an appointment")](http://www.zocdoc.com/practice/larry-picard-dds-21240?lock=true&isNewPatient=false&referrerType=widget) (310) 479-4500 Larry Picard, DDS 11500 W Olympic Blvd, Suite 326 Los Angeles,CA 90064 **Mon to Thu: 9 am - 6 pm Fri: 8 am - 3 pm Sat: 9 am - 4pm** ![periodontal.jpg](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/periodontal.jpg?width=976&name=periodontal.jpg "periodontal.jpg") ### Contact Us ##### [![Periodontal Disease](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/periodontal-disease.jpg?width=252&height=200&name=periodontal-disease.jpg "Periodontal Disease")](https://www.picarddds.com/hubfs/Images/periodontal-disease.jpg)Periodontal Disease Periodontal means “around the tooth.”  Periodontal disease, sometimes referred to as gum disease, harms the gums, exposes the roots of teeth and ultimately destroys the bone supporting the teeth.  It is the number one reason for tooth loss.  Most people are unaware of the onset of periodontal disease.  Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without any noticeable symptoms. ###### **Causes** It begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums.  [Proper brushing](https://www.picarddds.com/helpful-tips-faq/), [flossing](https://www.picarddds.com/helpful-tips-faq/), and regular professional cleanings will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage. Plaque that stays on the teeth hardens into calculus (tartar), which can only be removed with special dental instruments.  The bacteria in plaque and calculus produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums, cause the gums to recede, and slowly destroy the bone. Other than poor oral hygiene, other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease include: - Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure medicines, and oral contraceptives - Smoking or chewing tobacco - Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – These can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins - Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, and HIV / AIDS** ** ###### **Symptoms** Symptoms of periodontal disease include: - Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen - Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss - Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth - New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss - Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone) - Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present - Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth - Tenderness or discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth ###### **Treatment** Treatment depends on severity of the gum condition. In the early stages of [gingivitis](https://www.picarddds.com/helpful-tips-faq/#glossary) (a precursor to periodontal disease), professional cleanings and improvement in your daily [oral hygiene practices](https://www.picarddds.com/helpful-tips-faq/). In more advanced stages of periodontal disease, we do a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning).  Scaling involves removing plaque, tartar and toxins above and below the gum line, and planing involves smoothing rough spots on root surfaces.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing. [Back to top ](https://www.picarddds.com/periodontal-disease#top) [![Visit Us On Twitter](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/twitter.png?width=32&height=32&name=twitter.png)](http://www.twitter.com/larrypicard)[![Visit Us On Facebook](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/facebook.png?width=32&height=32&name=facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/LarryPicardDDS)[![Visit Us On Pinterest](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/pinterest.png?width=32&height=32&name=pinterest.png)](http://pinterest.com/larrypicarddds/)[![Visit Us On Youtube](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/youtube.png?width=32&height=32&name=youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXaZJ_7_Op2gAP3X7C3WtQA)[![Visit Us On Linkedin](https://www.picarddds.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/linkedin.png?width=32&height=32&name=linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/larry-picard/77/bab/953) Larry Picard, DDS 11500 W Olympic Blvd, Suite 326 Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 479-4500 Monday through Thursday 9-6pm Friday 8-3pm Saturday 8-4pm Larry Picard, DDS West Los Angeles General and Cosmetic Dentistry and Sleep Apnea Copyright © 2026. 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