Periodontology
...Warning Signs of Periodontal Diseasebleeding gums (when brushing or flossing)bad breathred, swollen or tender gumsloose teethpus that appears between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressedchange in bitechange in fit of denturesreceding gum line which has pulled away from the teethCauses of Periodontal Disease The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of bacterial plaque which hardens into a rough deposit called calculus (tartar) if it is not periodically removed...

Research on Periodontal Disease and Overall Health
...It also appears that the bacteria can attach to fatty plaques and possibly contribute to clot formation, which can be life threatening in patients with coronary artery disease...

Periodontal Disease
...Plaque, a sticky film that forms on the teeth and gums hardens into calculus, which forms a rough surface along the gum line on which more plaque accumulates, causing more irritation and swelling...

Periodontal Treatment
...This involves the removal of plaque and calculus, which controls the growth of bacteria and treating the conditions that encourage gum disease...

Women and Gum Disease
...Hormonal changes such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can affect the blood supply to the gums, and response to irritants from plaque may be exaggerated...

Bad Breath (halitosis)
...Bacterial plaque and food debris also can accumulate on the back of the tongue...

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
...In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping...

Crowns
...It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration...

Dentures
...Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained...

Glossary
...Gingivitis - A minor disease of the gums caused by plaque...

Scaling and Root Planing
...Then, a small instrument called a "scaler," or an ultrasonic cleaner, is used to clean beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar...

Gingivectomy
...The pockets make it hard to clean away plaque...

Flossing
... Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque...