Why are plaque and tartar so bad for our teeth and gums?
Plaque and tartar will naturally build up in our mouths. If they are allowed to sit on our teeth and gums, they may potentially cause decay and cause gum disease in the form of gingivitis or periodontitis.
Signs that decay is becoming a problem include:
- Darkening of the tooth
- Sensitivity when brushing
- Sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods or drinks
- Sharp, shooting tooth pains
Symptoms of gum disease may include:
- Bad breath (or halitosis)
- Bleeding from gums
- Infection
- Abscess
- Loose teeth
If teeth become too infected or loose from gum disease, they may be lost.
What can I do to prevent plaque and tartar from causing gum issues?
There are the obvious solutions to reduce plaque and tartar build up - good oral hygiene. We have to make sure that we are brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
We also strongly advocate regular six monthly preventive checks and cleans so that our Mount Waverley dentists can identify and treat any gum disease and decay in their early stages. If you do come to us already with more advanced gum disease however, we are happy to discuss how to manage your gum disease, which might include periodontal therapy.
