You probably know that plaque and gum disease are undesirable, but do you know what these things mean to your oral health? In this article, we’ll define plaque, tartar/calculus, and gum
disease, then we’ll explore what you can do to deter plaque buildup, tartar formation, and gum disease development.
Do you have gum disease? The only way to know for certain is to visit the dentist for a checkup, so, call Santa Cruz Dental Artists in Santa Cruz, CA, today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cat.
Plaque: Not All Bad
Dental plaque is the white or yellowish film that accumulates on and between teeth. While it has a bad rap, plaque has some redeeming qualities. The matrix of saliva, good and bad bacteria, and minerals naturally strengthens the immune system, while also delivering calcium and phosphorus to tooth enamel. These minerals strengthen teeth.
Plaque becomes concerning when it builds up. We remove plaque every time we brush and floss. Plaque left in the mouth for 48 hours calcifies into hard tartar, also called calculus.
Tartar/Calculus: You Can Prevent It
Every time you skip a day of brushing your teeth, tartar forms. Usually, the white, yellowish, or brownish substance develops at the gum line. If not removed, over time tartar can extend past the gum line onto teeth roots. Tartar should only be removed by a dentist or hygienist; brushing and flossing have little effect.
Gum Disease: Health Risk Extraordinaire
Without healthy gums, ligaments, and jawbone, teeth would not remain in their sockets. It is therefore very important to maintain healthy gums.
While plaque isn’t all bad, gum disease deserves its criminal reputation. The condition is chronic, so it cannot be cured but can go into remission. It is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults and has been linked to serious overall health issues, including:
● Stroke
● Heart disease
● Respiratory problems
● Cognitive conditions
● Diabetes complications
● Low-weight births
How does gum disease start?
When tartar irritates gum tissue, the gums become susceptible to periodontal pockets. These little envelopes around the base of teeth house bad bacteria. As the bacteria breed and spread,
they eat away connecting ligaments from tooth roots, causing teeth to loosen and ultimately fall out.
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. As the condition advances, it goes from gingivitis to periodontitis to advanced periodontitis. Patients may experience: ● Bad breath
● Sore, tender gums
● Red or discolored gums
● Bleeding when brushing and flossing teeth
● Loose teeth
● Tooth loss
How is gum disease treated?
If your dentist or hygienist determines that you suffer from gum disease, you’ll need a deep cleaning. This procedure involves two phases. Scaling eliminates plaque below the gumline, while root planing smoothes rough areas on teeth roots. Tartar tends to cling to rough ridges and bumps.
After a deep cleaning, gums and ligaments should naturally begin to reattach to teeth. Patients need to visit the dentist as recommended so that a hygienist can assess periodontal pocket depth. As gums heal, pocket depth decreases.
Also, gum disease patients should maintain a strict twice-a-day brushing regimen, combined with daily flossing and an antibacterial mouthwash. These practices significantly reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.
Next Steps
The best way to deter gingivitis is to brush and floss twice a day, and visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, you may need more frequent cleanings. Call Santa Cruz Dental Artists, located in Santa Cruz, CA, today at 1-831-457-0343 or visit our website at SantaCruzDentalArtists.com to schedule a visit with Dr. Cat.
