In simple terms, the best way to prevent and treat periodontal disease is to brush and floss two times a day and see your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Too bad life isn’t always simple. Plaque and calculus build up develops at different rates, amounts and locations with each individual. Mouths with crooked and/or overlapped teeth are far more difficult to clean than someone with straight teeth or spaces between them. How often you should come in to have your teeth cleaned and how you brush and floss your teeth is very individualized. Your doctor will inform you how often you should be seen for a periodontal maintenance visit. Your doctor and hygienist will instruct you on the best way to maintain your teeth.
Plaque is the soft, white sticky stuff that you can brush or rub away. Plaque is made up of bacteria. Calculus/Tarter is the hard, yellow, white or black stuff that the doctor or hygienist has to ‘chip’ away. Calculus/Tarter is made up of calcium/phosphorus that has the consistency of mortar or grout.
Bleeding gums is often the first sign that you are not removing all of the plaque on the teeth or that you are due for a dental cleaning to remove the calculus. Many people ‘back off’ when their gums bleed. Actually, you should work harder on the areas that bleed. If the condition does not improve with hard work after 1-2 weeks, you should see a dentist for an evaluation.
I have included a few ‘Helpful tips’ for you to better clean your teeth.