Most dentists recommend that you have a complete dental checkup every six months. A thorough dental check up will include an exam, x rays and cleaning. In addition to the dental exam you have every six months, you should also brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after each meal. Brushing and flossing removes the food and debris from between your teeth and helps get rid of the plaque that can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can form a hard shell on your teeth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Once you have tartar buildup on your teeth, it will need to be removed with a professional dental cleaning. Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed with routine brushing and flossing. You may have tartar buildup and not even know it. It is a hard, white deposit that tends to buildup along the gum line and on the roots of your teeth. To remove it, the dentist will need to use special tools to chip away at it.
Sometimes tartar remains on the tooth so long that it begins to eat away at the enamel on your teeth. It can lead to tooth decay, which can lead to cavities. Your dentist will need to remove the decay and repair the tooth or you may suffer from premature tooth loss.
Gum disease is another dental issue that is associated with tartar buildup and tooth decay. The Dentists in Chicago IL are experienced in treating all forms of gum disease. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. The early signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gum’s or bleeding when you brush or floss. In most cases, the Dentists in Chicago IL can treat gingivitis with dental cleanings and medicated mouth washes. With proper treatment, gingivitis will not return. However, if you do not take proper care of your teeth, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease. Should you develop periodontitis, your dentist will need to provide you with deep cleanings, which include the scaling and planing of your teeth and roots. For more information on how to prevent gum disease, you can read more here.
