Brushing and flossing your teeth twice each day, as part of a consistent oral hygiene routine, helps to remove residual food particles and plaque from your teeth and gum line. If they are not thoroughly cleaned away, they will eventually harden into a bacterial rich substance known as tartar. As a result, hardened tartar at the gum line is the leading cause of gum disease.
The earliest form of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This causes gums to bleed easily when brushing and flossing, and often causes problems with chronic bad breath. In many cases, the gums might also look red or inflamed. Improvements to your oral hygiene regimen and attending your regular dental checkup with our dentists, Dr. Hillstrom and Dr. Paxton, will help to remove hardened tartar which should allow your gums to return to normal.
Without timely resolution, gingivitis will eventually develop into the more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This level of inflammation causes the gums to slowly recede from your teeth, forming pockets of infection deep within the gums. Periodontitis can even result in a loss of structure in the bones that anchor your teeth to your jaw.
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day will help prevent tartar build up. Your regular dental checkup and cleaning with staff at North Texas Dental Associates will remove any traces of hardened tartar that do form, as well as monitor the health of your teeth and gums.
If you have questions or concerns about gum disease, or you are due for your next dental checkup, you should call North Texas Dental Associates in Plano, Texas at 972.535.6647 to schedule an appointment.