The “Gums”
In addition to nutrition, routine cleanings are a vital way to ensure you’re not at risk of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and the bone that surrounds the teeth. Most people who have periodontal disease aren’t even aware of it. It’s rarely painful, especially in the early stages.
The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque above and below the gumline. Plaque is the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. Though it is hard to see plaque, through our use of microscopes, we are able to see the “bugs” that invade our bodies through the gum pockets.
You must completely remove plaque each day or it will build up and mineralizes to become tartar, also known as calculus. It takes a dentist or dental hygienist to remove tartar. In other words, there’s no way for you to remove it while in front of the mirror. A toothbrush or floss won’t budge it. If tartar isn’t removed, it migrates to the root surfaces and causes more damaging effects.