Why Is Tartar Such A Problem?
Taking a look at the causes of gum disease
At Mike Allen’s Dental Practice, we take gum disease seriously. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK yet is something that can easily be avoided with a little care.
Whilst our mouths always contain gingival bacteria, it is when the numbers become out of control that gum disease problems start to occur. This can happen due to poor oral care or even persistent dry mouth.
Plaque
If you have ever noticed a sticky white substance on your teeth, predominantly in the morning when you wake, this is most likely plaque; a collection of bacteria that can start to damage your teeth and gums if left untreated. This is straightforward to do though and regular brushing and inter dental cleaning, plus staying hydrated should help to keep this under control.
Tartar
Tartar is the hardened form of plaque which attaches itself to the teeth and gum line. This often occurs in those hard to reach areas where a toothbrush, and even dental floss or interdental brushes find it difficult to access. The acids released by the bacteria in the tartar can start to damage the enamel, increasing the likelihood of decay. Because of the hardness of tartar, it is virtually impossible to remove it effectively on your own, and, if left untreated, can eventually cause problems such as gingivitis, or more seriously, periodontitis may which also cause bone loss in the jaw, creating unstable teeth.
Treatment is available at our Burton dental practice by making an appointment with our hygienist who can remove the tartar with a procedure often referred to as a ‘scale and polish’. This is a pain free procedure and does not require a local anaesthetic to be given. Once treated, we recommend regular ongoing hygienist appointments to stay on top of gum health issues.
Deep clean
If you ignore your oral health and don’t maintain regular dental and hygienist visits, there is a real risk that gum disease can become advanced and not only affect your gums, but also right down to the roots of the teeth. This can still be treated in a similar manner to a scale and polish, but is a more invasive procedure as the teeth have to be cleaned right down to the roots and can be far more uncomfortable for the patient. “Deep” cleans are performed using a local anaesthetic and are typically performed by a specialist periodontist (“gum dentist”), not the hygienist.
As long standing Burton family dentists, we urge our patients to take care of their gums and we are always happy to offer advice on how to clean your teeth more efficiently to help prevent decay and disease. Professional hygienist appointments are also an essential part of this process and appointments can be made by calling Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on 01283 845345.