Plaque & Tartar
Plaque is a film that forms around your gums and on your teeth. When the bacteria in plaque releases acid, it then attacks the tooth enamel. Tooth decay can occur after repeated attacks.
Plaque can also cause irritation to the gums, making them red, tender, or bleed easily. This is called GINGIVITIS. Thorough daily brushing and flossing can prevent plaque and tartar from forming on the teeth.
In some cases, the gums pull away from the tooth, leaving areas vulnerable to bacteria and infection. If this is not treated, the bone around the tooth can be destroyed. This is called PERIODONTAL DISEASE.
Periodontal disease occurs most often in adults. With periodontal disease, teeth may become loose or have to be removed due to the loss of bone.
Eating a well balanced diet and good snacks can prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, cheese, or a piece of fruit are considered good snack foods. Sugars, can last up to 20 minutes on your teeth, which increases your chance of tooth decay.
Proper oral hygiene can help in minimizing plaque. In addition, a regular dental cleaning is a must to ensure proper care. Call us today, to arrange for a dental cleaning.
Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is older plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Tartar build up roughens the surface which gives plaque more surface area on which to grow. It can lead to more serious conditions, such as cavities, gum disease and even bone loss.
Tartar buildup or calculus can threaten the health of your teeth and gums. It is also a cosmetic concern for some patients who drink coffee, tea, or red wine or who smoke as tartar is more porous and it absorbs stains easily.
How do I Know if I Have Tartar Buildup?
Unlike plaque, which is a white or colorless film of bacteria, tartar is a mineral buildup that is fairly easy to see and is yellowish and calcified. The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color to teeth or gums. Regular cleanings and maintenance is best way to ensure of the removal of tartar build up. Call your DENTAL TEAM to arrange your next dental cleaning.
How can I Prevent Tartar Buildup?
Proper brushing, and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Once tartar has formed, only your dental team can remove it. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During scaling, the DENTAL TEAM uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line.
Periodontal cleanings (Deep Cleanings)
We emphasize the importance of removing plaque by daily brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene is essential in stopping the progression of periodontal diseases. Our office provides 3 or 4 month hygiene visits for maintaining and reinforcing proper hygiene and monitoring the progression of periodontal disease.
We place a special emphasis on these preventive aspects of care because, early detection, a proper diagnosis, and a treatment plan can provide corrective action and prevent tooth loss, gum and bone disease.
