Plaque and tartar affects millions of people all over the world, and if you are one of them, chances are you are dealing with gum disease as well. Bacteria caused from the foods you eat and the beverages you choose will quickly become that sticky clear film that you see on your teeth. Plaque can even attach itself to your dental restorations.
Dr. Jeffry Gilmor from Glen Dental in Glenview Illinois believes that practicing good oral hygiene habits can go a long way in preventing the buildup of plaque and the more dangerous tartar.
According to the Mayo Clinic, tartar, also known as calculus is hardened plaque that has calcified. This tartar is impossible to remove with your toothbrush. Flossing won’t even get rid of tartar. Tartar will also form under your gum line irritating delicate gum tissue. It’s a vicious circle as tartar gives fast growing plaque more surface to grow. The sticky surface makes it a perfect area for tartar to develop. Plaque and tartar also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Your Looks
Tartar underneath your teeth is dangerous for your teeth and gums, but can also affect your smile. Tartar is porous and will absorb stains. If you smoke, drink tea or coffee, you know how important it is to practice good oral health habits. People with tartar buildup will have brown or yellow staining at the gumline and on their teeth.
How Do You Know
Plaque is a film of bacteria that is colorless while tartar is a buildup of minerals that is quite easy to spot above your gumline. The only way to know for sure if you have tartar build up is to see your dentist.
What Can You Do About It
Glen Dental in Glenview recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once each day, and using a good antibacterial mouthrinse morning and night as doing so will go along way when it comes to preventing tartar build up. However, it is also important to steer clear of sugar and starchy foods. Two snacks that bacteria love.
Root Planing and Scaling
If you do have tartar, Chicago Dentist Dr. Jeffry Gilmor will recommend root planing and scaling to get rid of the tartar. Once the tartar has been removed, Dr. Gilmor will schedule a follow up exam to see how your gums are doing. In most cases, tartar can be prevented from returning as long as you take care of your teeth and gums.
Tartar buildup can be serious, and if you are having problems cleaning your teeth because of tartar, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffry Gilmor from Glen Dental in Glenview Illinois.