Periodontal disease – or gum disease – can affect more than just the health of your mouth. An infection in this area can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, a weakened immune system, and other major problems. This is why seeing your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning is so important. Professional tooth cleaning gets rid of plaque and tarter buildup under the gum line. Additionally, regular checkups allow you to catch early signs of gum disease and prevent it from progressing.