Periodontal or gum disease can be prevented and reversed by the constant practice of good oral hygiene and with regular dental visits at about once every six months or more often if you have gum infection. What can help remove most of the plaque from teeth and under the gum margin are daily brushing and flossing that is done correctly. Keep plaque under control in places that are harder for a toothbrush or dental floss to reach by professional cleanings by your dentist or dental hygienist. Letting oral hygiene slip or having dental visits become irregular can cause plaque build up and allow it to spread below the gum line. Gum irritation and gum infection can occur if plaque is left not removed.