Plaque & Gum Disease

What is plaque?

Plaque is a combination of food debris and bacteria amongst other products, which build up on your teeth. Plaque has a perfect environment for bacteria to breed on. The bi-products and toxins produced by the bacteria can be very harmful to the human body. If plaque builds up on your teeth and gums, it will cause both gum disease and tooth decay.

What does plaque look like?

Plaque is a creamy-white layer on your teeth especially around the gum-line. You can use a fingernail to very gently scratch some plaque off your teeth to see it. Try smelling it! You can also use a disclosing tablet to view it. This will stain the plaque build so you can see it better and brush more effectively.

What is tartar?

Tartar otherwise known as calculus, is the hard form of plaque. As plaque accumulates, minerals in your saliva make it hard. In fact tartar can be as hard as your own bone sometimes. It will not be able to be removed by simple brushing alone. You will need to consult your dentist/hygienist for a Scale and Polish.

What bacteria are involved in gum disease?

There are a number of different types of bacteria that can cause gum disease. This can range from P.gingivalis, A.actinomycestemcomitans, etc

How does bacteria in the plaque and tartar cause gum disease?

Your gums are attached to the surfaces of your teeth by special attachments. These attachments are made up of complex fibres. Bacteria releases toxins which destroy such fibres. The human body being as clever as it is, will detect the release of such toxins and fight back. This results in inflammation and swelling of the gums at a microscopic level and causes them to bleed easily. When you brush your teeth, you will usually bleed if you have gum disease. So bleeding can actually be a good indicator of gum disease and you should visit your dentist straight away.

At this early stage of damage to your gums, your body can repair the gums if the plaque and tartar has been removed. However, if it isn’t, then the process of gum damage will continue. As the plaque and build up and gum disease progresses, more harmful bacteria are attracted which actually cause your own body to release chemicals which can damage and destroy your gums as well. So really, these clever bacteria causes your own body to turn against you into a self-destruct mode! Gums become unattached from the tooth and your underlying bone will start to breakdown. At this stage, the gum disease usually is non-reversible and the only action you can take is to stop it progressing further. Your dentist will advise you on this further.

Will I lose my teeth?

Gum disease is one of the highest causes of tooth loss in the world. If you don’t look after your gums, your teeth will fall out.

Does smoking affect my gums?

Yes. Amongst other causes of smoking such as heart disease etc, smoking is very damaging to the gums. If you have gum disease, you should seriously consider stop smoking. When undergoing treatment for your gum disease, your gums will not respond very well to treatment if you continue to smoke as smoking prevents your body from healing.

How do I look after my gums?

Follow the advice on toothbrushing, flossing, interdental brushing, and the use of mouthwash. Generally, you should brush twice daily with daily use of floss. Your dentist will advise you on this.