If you only visit your dentist twice a year and get your gums and teeth assessed for periodontitis – chronic gum infection which includes bleeding, swelling of the gums and tooth firmness, you will be able to maintain a good dental health. The benefits of dental cleanings and regular check ups are to check for plaque and tartar build up and remove them effectively. Your dental expert will give the best treatments to stop your periodontal disease and the rest is of course up to the patient. Good oral hygiene can help control plaque which is essential in managing periodontitis. Which simply means, stopping the bacterial activity that leads to the building up of plaque is in the hands of the dental patient. Brushing at least twice a day and daily flossing should be constantly practiced.