Plaque – the ultimate enemy
Plaque is a sticky, colorless community of bacteria and sugars that can form on all surfaces of the teeth. It is the major contributing agent in the progression of dental cavities, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Plaque is comprised of over 400 species of bacteria that persistently adhere to the oral cavity. Since bacteria are continually growing in our mouths, anyone can develop plaque.
Once plaque hardens, it becomes a mineralized yellow to brown material called tarter or calculus. This can form on the teeth, as well as under the gum line and can irritate your gums. Because calculus has a much stickier surface, even more plaque and bacteria can attach to it.
The bacteria release toxins that destroy the supporting tissues around your teeth. Your gums along with the supporting tissues can start to pull away from the teeth forming “pockets”.
As these pockets deepen in response to the plaque irritation, inflammation persists and extends further down into the connective tissue until it reaches and destroys the bone. Eventually, tooth loss can occur. Once the pockets deepen, despite diligent oral hygiene, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once the disease starts, professional intervention is necessary.