Scraping along the gum line can be slightly uncomfortable, which causes many people to wonder why it is so important.
It is an essential part of your oral hygiene process. Long periods without scraping can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.
Is There A Reason To Scrape?
In our office during your visit, using a tiny mirror to guide us, we use a tool called a scaler that scrapes the tooth as it sits next to your gums, This helps us get rid of any plaque and tartar in that area, and also any that appears between your teeth.
What Is Different Between Tartar And Plaque?
There is a difference between plaque and tartar. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth naturally. It can be pale yellow in color. It can cause damage and degradation to the tooth enamel. Tartar is a harder substance that usually forms around the base of your teeth. It is a hardening of the plaque caused by continual accumulation. Plaque is soft, while tartar is hard. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but tartar cannot.
Plaque and tartar hide between your teeth and under your gum line. It carries bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums. It can cause cavities and lead to tooth enamel damage. There is no way around the accumulation of plaque, so it is important to have a good oral hygiene routine at home and come see us regularly. If your teeth and gums are not scraped regularly, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
More specifically, excess plaque around your gum line can lead to gingivitis. This may cause inflammation of the gums, bleeding, receding gum lines and bad breath. If gingivitis is not taken care of, it can destroy the bone and result in tooth loss. Contact us for your next appointment today, and let us make sure that your gums are healthy!