Periodontal disease, sometimes known as gum disease, has several different forms. It is estimated by American Dental Association that roughly 47% of all people over 30 years old also have some degree of periodontal disease. At the same time the Centers for Disease Control report that 64% of seniors over age 65 have moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Hardened tartar at the gum line is the leading cause of periodontal disease. It is caused by food particles and plaque that are not removed during the course of your daily oral hygiene routine. The constant presence of bacteria near the gum line caused by hardened tartar leads to inflammation and infection in the gum tissue itself. If the hardened tartar is not removed during the course of the dental checkup performed at Kaitilin Riley DDS it can lead to the most serious form of periodontal disease known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth, allowing pockets of infection near the roots of your teeth. In time it can even result in a loss of bone structure where your teeth are anchored to your jaw.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and abrasive toothpaste, followed by flossing between teeth and around the gum line, is essential for removing plaque and food particles before they can harden into tartar.
Even the most effective oral hygiene routine can’t completely clean away hardened tartar once it forms. Only the professional tools and techniques used by the dentists at Kaitilin Riley DDS can effectively remove hardened tartar as part of your regular dental cleanings.
If you have questions about plaque and tartar buildup, or you are due for your next dental cleaning, please feel free to call Kaitilin Riley DDS at 805-238-3880 to schedule an appointment.
