The onset of many dental problems has its origin with the build-up of plaque and tartar. Daily flossing and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste or gel is a great start to controlling them, but the only way to completely remove plaque and tartar from teeth is with a professional cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist.
Twice yearly visits to your dental provider for that very important cleaning and exam will help catch potential problems before they escalate. Dental decay and gum disease are two of the primary problems that you can anticipate if you allow good oral hygiene habits to slip and miss those much needed dental visits.
Twice yearly visits to your dental provider for that very important cleaning and exam will help catch potential problems before they escalate.
Plaque build-up is due to bacteria being allowed to settle on teeth and gum tissue. Daily flossing and brushing with toothpaste or gel will help to limit the build-up of tartar and plaque. But it doesn’t take long for plaque, which is that sticky substance that clings to your teeth, to harden on teeth especially at the gum line.
The problems that arise from plaque build-up include gingivitis, the onset of gum disease. Left unchecked, gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis. At this point, it is often necessary to undergo root planing and scaling, which is a deep cleaning that allows the dentist to remove tartar and plaque from beneath the gum line.
Other complications include chronic halitosis and dental decay. Dental decay can result in the possibility of a root canal, the need for a dental crown, or even tooth loss.
Many patients that suffer from excess plaque and tartar build-up can point to their ancestors as part of the issue as periodontal disease has been linked to possibly being a genetic problem. But other factors, such as smoking, diet, stress and lack of sleep can also play a major role in whether or not you might suffer from this condition.
You can break the cycle of excessive plaque build-up even if your family members seem to deal with it. But you must commit to those bi-annual visits to your dentist for a professional cleaning and exam. In addition, you must be vigilant with daily flossing. Brushing with a fluoridated tooth paste or gel, and even rinsing daily with a fluoridated rinse, are all good habits to develop to control excessive plaque build-up.
Controlling plaque and tartar is an essential key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For more information and to schedule your next exam in Hicksville, contact Broadway Dental at 516-681-2525 today.