Does Plaque Cause Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease Tacoma, WA

Having a general dentist check for periodontal disease is something every dental patient needs to do on a regular basis. Some patients need to be seen every three months, some six months, some nine months and some only every 12 months. It simply depends on their overall dental health when it comes to how often they need to be seen.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky material that adheres to teeth, making one more susceptible to a buildup of bad bacteria. Plaque is a substance that is continually forming on teeth, as every time one eats or drinks, plaque will begin to form. This is one of the main reasons why good oral care is so essential, as brushing and flossing help to remove any harmful plaque. When plaque is not properly removed, it will eventually lead to a gingivitis diagnosis, which is the first stage of gum disease.

According to WebMD, to date, scientists have found links between periodontal disease and a number of other problems, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and premature birth.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is also called gum disease and is an infection of the soft tissues of the mouth. There are different stages of periodontal disease, with the first stage being gingivitis and the other stages including varying degrees of periodontitis. The fact that periodontal disease is one of the biggest threats to one’s good oral health makes it essential for everyone to create — and stick to — an oral health routine that works for them. Since the chances of someone being diagnosed with this disease increases as they age, older adults should consult with their dentist when it comes to how often they should be seen.

What causes periodontal disease?

Poor oral care is the main cause of gum disease, as it is essential to brush and floss one’s teeth properly every day in order to prevent a gum disease diagnosis. When bacteria are allowed to remain in the mouth, it causes a buildup of plaque on the surface of the teeth, which in turn will likely cause one to be diagnosed with periodontal disease. Because everyone is different, it may be necessary for some people to consult with a dentist to understand more about their oral health care needs. Together, they can come up with a care plan that specifically meets the dental patient’s needs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacteria in the mouth infect tissue surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation around the tooth, thus leading to periodontal disease.

The bottom line

Those who have tooth plaque are susceptible to periodontal disease. This means anyone who has not gone to a dental checkup appointment within the last six months or so needs to be treated by a dental professional and as soon as possible. The last thing anyone wants is to be diagnosed with periodontal disease, as this oral disease is one that can cause them to experience many different types of serious dental problems.

Request an appointment here: https://www.korsmofamilydental.com or call Korsmo Family Dental at (253) 336-0016 for an appointment in our Tacoma office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Periodontics in Tacoma, WA.

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