Plaque buildup is a notoriously common issue that can easily lead to gum disease if left untreated. Periodontal dentistry in Rochester is crucial in preventing excessive plaque buildup and stopping gum disease from taking hold. Below is important information you should know about plaque, its connection to gum disease, and how you can reduce your risk of periodontal disease.
What Is Plaque?
Your mouth naturally contains bacteria at all times, but issues begin to develop when those bacteria grow and multiply unchecked. Excess bacteria form a sticky film called plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth, allowing them to continue multiplying and secrete acids that damage your teeth and gums.[1]
Brushing and flossing twice daily is crucial in preventing plaque accumulation. However, if plaque deposits aren’t properly removed, they’ll eventually harden into tartar. As much as 68 percent of adults have tartar deposits.[2] These are difficult to deal with alone and often require a professional teeth cleaning.
However, when plaque and tartar buildup are left unremoved, problems may begin to arise because plaque and tartar contribute to dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.[3] They often form at the gumline, which they irritate, and eventually, the bacteria can infect the gum tissue, causing gum disease.
How Plaque Causes Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It occurs when enough plaque accumulates along the gums, inflaming and irritating the soft tissue. You may notice soreness, swelling, or red gums.[3] There is also a risk of bleeding gums when brushing and flossing.
Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease. At this point, the gum tissue starts to pull away from tooth surfaces, causing gum recession and pockets. Damage caused by periodontitis isn’t as easily reversible as gingivitis. You may require periodontal dentistry in Rochester to restore affected gum tissue and prevent any future recurrences of gum disease.
Oral Hygiene to Prevent Plaque Buildup
Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to gum disease treatment, and your daily oral care is a great place to start. Simply brushing and flossing twice a day will help prevent the accumulation of plaque and reduce your risk of dental issues.
It’s also vital to replace your toothbrush at least every three months. Damaged bristles can lead to subpar brushing. Pay close attention to your technique as well. Brush in circles, take four minutes to brush, and make sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth that you can reach.
It is also important not to overlook flossing, as it removes bits of food and bacteria from tight spaces that brushes often cannot reach. Without proper care, bacteria can easily develop into plaque and tartar in these areas.
Treatment Options With A Periodontal Dentistry in Rochester
Proper oral hygiene goes a long way in preventing gum disease. However, dental care is also essential. Deep cleaning by a periodontist may be necessary if you’ve started to develop gum disease. During a deep cleaning, your periodontist will use specialized tools to remove plaque in deep pockets and smooth tooth surfaces to restrict future plaque buildup. This is called scaling and root planing (SRP) and is often the first step in managing gum disease.[4]
More advanced cases call for more invasive treatment options. Soft tissue grafting is often necessary to repair receding gums, for instance. Additionally, gum surgery is sometimes needed to close deep pockets and prevent plaque from accumulating within them.
Regular checkups are among the most powerful tools in your arsenal when it comes to preventing gum disease. During a checkup, your periodontist will carefully evaluate your gums for any signs of disease. Additionally, routine cleanings will remove plaque deposits in hard-to-reach areas.
The Impact of Plaque Accumulation
Plaque buildup has a wide range of serious impacts on your oral health. It increases your risk of serious gum disease, which affects more than just your smile. Moreover, it can contribute to overall health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, allowing inflammation and bacteria to spread to other parts of the body.
If gum disease progresses far enough, you could find yourself in need of tooth replacement options, such as dental implants. This is because gum disease can weaken the tissue supporting your teeth and cause them to loosen and shift. Eventually, they may fall out entirely.
Missing teeth are a serious oral health concern. They impact everyday tasks such as eating and speaking and also affect the appearance of your smile. While a variety of replacement options are available, the best outcome for your long-term oral health is to avoid gum disease and retain your natural teeth.
Schedule an Appointment for Periodontal Dentistry in Rochester
Addressing dental plaque can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease. Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester offers a full range of gum disease prevention and treatment options in Rochester, NY. Contact us online or call 585-534-3346 today to schedule your next appointment.
Sources:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10953-plaque
[2] https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/tartar-and-plaque/plaque-tartar-causes-prevention-removal
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453
