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Gum Disease

May 26

Yellow build up

By Gum Disease

My teeth have a yellow build up on them that I can scrape off. But, whenever I do scrape it off it seems like I’m taking most of my tooth off. What is it and why is there so much?

MaryAnn L from Missouri

MaryAnn,

The build up is called Calculus or Tartar. It actually comes from the minerals in your saliva. As those minerals build up it is called calculus. Once it becomes visible it is called Tartar. Your dental hygienist removes it at each dental appointment. If you have a lot of it and it feels strange once you scrape it off, that is an indication that you haven’t been to the dentist in a while.

It’s tempting to think it isn’t necessary to go, but the build-up of calculus is very damaging and will lead to gum disease if it isn’t regularly removed.

You may also want to visit our page on prevention.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 21

Can I get porcelain crowns if I have gum disease?

By Gum Disease

Hi, I’ve got gum disease, but need to get some crowns. Is it possible? If so, will it stop the gum disease?

Thanks in advance.

Lisa W.- Tennessee

Unfortunately, porcelain crowns will not stop the progression of gum disease. Whether or not you can get the crowns will depend on what stage of gum disease you have. If you have gingivitis, the mildest case, then it is not that big of a deal. Just floss regularly and make sure you have your teeth cleaned professionally. However,  if you have advanced periodontitis, then you are at risk of your teeth falling out. If that is the case, you will not want to invest in crowns, and instead save up for dental implants. Be sure you get a clear answer from your dentist on which end of the gum disease spectrum your case falls.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 15

How do I prevent from losing my teeth if I have gum disease?

By Gum Disease

Not long ago, I was told by a dentist that I have gum disease. I currently do not have dental insurance, so I haven’t been back to the dentist to get this checked. Now I’ve noticed my lower front gum is getting really low, and two of my bottom front teeth have become slightly loose. How do I prevent from losing my teeth? If I lose these two teeth, will my other teeth shift over where the gap is?

Gary from Memphis

Gary,

Once your teeth become loose from gum disease, there really isn’t much you can do to save them. Gum disease shouldn’t be taken lightly. If some of your teeth are loose, then you may have more that will become loose. I strongly urge you to see a dentist, regardless of not having dental insurance. It isn’t that expensive to prevent gum disease. Start by going for your checkups and cleaning right away.

Had you kept up with your routine dental care, you would have been much better off. If you want to slow down or stop gum disease, schedule an appointment with a dentist right away.

Read through our website to learn how to avoid these common dental problems.

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