When plaque and residual food particles are not effectively cleaned by daily brushing and flossing, they can harden into tartar. This is a bacterial-rich substance that adheres to tooth enamel. Once it forms, it is very hard to remove with your daily oral hygiene routine. While this obviously promotes tooth decay, the constant bacterial presence at the gumline promotes inflammation and infection, which is known as gum disease.
The problem starts out as gingivitis, which often involves gums that bleed easily when brushing and flossing. It also involves issues with chronic bad breath and gums that are red or inflamed. Professional dental cleaning with our periodontists and improvements to your daily oral hygiene routine and can often reverse gingivitis.
If the gum disease progresses to an advanced state, it can eventually turn into periodontitis. The infection inflames the gums, causing them to recede and pull back towards the base of the teeth. This exposes more root and forms pockets where more bacteria can make its home and cause damage to the bone underneath your teeth.
Increased focus on brushing and flossing twice per day is the most effective preventive measure. Be sure to floss along the gumline and behind your last molar. Attending your regular dental cleanings will help remove any tartar buildup before it becomes a more serious problem.
If you are concerned about your oral hygiene or if you have concerns about gum disease in Winter Garden, Florida, you should call Precision Periodontics & Dental Implants at 407-905-6777 to seek timely treatment.