I had gum disease and have to have my teeth cleaned at the perio every 3 months. You MUST floss your teeth. I floss after every meal. I keep floss all over the place - even in my purse. If you don't floss regularly, the plaque will harden. If you already have pockets, you have to take care of your teeth. I also use GUM proxa brushes - thin brushes that go in between the teeth. They're really good. I know it's a pain to always have to floss, but if your pockets get deeper, you will eventually have to have gum surgery, as I did. It's not fun, believe me.