Tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss. A dentist will remove tartar with instruments designed to clean the tooth surface without damaging gum tissue. The best way to avoid a build-up of plaque is to brush your teeth and clean between them every day as dental plaque is soft and easily removed. Mechanical plaque control can be supplemented by regular use of an antiseptic mouthwash, which kills bacteria that are the source of plaque. Gum disease takes many forms but is referred to as gingivitis in its early stages.
Bacteria accumulate in the plaque build-at the base of the teeth along the gums.
In this oxygen-poor environment, harmful bacteria release toxins that damage the gums. As the body's immune system fights off the infection, the gums become tender and inflamed. The inflammation is called gingivitis and is the first sign of gum disease. Regularly brushing, flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash can control gum disease in its early stages. These measures reduce levels of bacterial plaque, reversing gingivitis and helping to prevent and control gum disease.