Taking Great Care of Your Teeth What is Periodontal Disease? Gysmel Ferguson Hillsborough Community College Dental Hygiene Program What is Plaque? Plaque is a soft deposit of bacteria that is easily removed with proper brushing and proper flossing. If it is not removed, it can harden within 2-3 days and become calculus or tartar. What is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can start in your gums and make it’s way to your bone. A lot of the time it is caused by plaque and tartar. Other times it can be due to certain conditions or diseases people have. If it is in your gums, it is called gingivitis. Gingivitis causes your gums to swell, become red, and bleed very easily. With proper brushing and flossing, it is reversible and can go back to healthy tissue. If not, it can get worse and the bacteria can eventually make its way into the bone. This is then called periodontitis where bone is lost and is not reversible. Once it is at this point, it can be controlled and stabilized with proper brushing and flossing and getting a professional cleaning. If not, it can get worse with more bone loss and eventually teeth becoming loose and falling out. It is important to note that taking care of your teeth at home and getting your teeth cleaned at a dental office is the best way to take care of your mouth. How to Brush Brush your teeth two times a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Some people may need help brushing and that is okay. If holding a toothbrush is a problem, try putting a tennis ball on the end of one. Another way of helping could be to have it mounted to the wall for better support. What is Tartar? As stated above, tartar is hardened plaque. It can only be removed by a hygienist or dentist when you get a cleaning. How to Floss Floss at least once a day in a c-shape to clean them thoroughly. You can use a floss holder if that is easier to use. Copyright Colin Purrington (http://colinpurrington.com/tips/academic/posterdesign).