Heard of genetic gum problems???

Dental plaque and gum disease are issues that most people don't really know about or understand. The truth is, almost 99% of people get plaque buildup at one time or another. However, the average person doesn't pay attention to it until it's causing pain, they can see it, or it is starting to affect their confidence.

Plaque and tartar buildup are like stones on the teeth that silently destroy your oral health. Without proper care, they may cause bad breath (halitosis), bleeding gums, loosening of teeth, bone loss, and premature tooth loss.

Here is a complete guide to dental plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, causes of bad breath, and professional treatments such as dental scaling.

What Is a Dental Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that constantly forms on your teeth. When not removed through proper brushing and flossing, it irritates the gums and starts damaging the surrounding tissues.

Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus)—a rough deposit that cannot be removed with a toothbrush.

How Plaque Leads to Gum Disease

• Plaque Formation: Bacteria accumulate on teeth daily.
• Gingivitis: Gums become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily.
• Tartar Buildup: Plaque hardens into calculus.
• Periodontitis: Infection spreads deeper, destroying bone and gum tissue.
• Tooth Mobility: Teeth become loose and may eventually fall out.

This progression often happens without pain, making gum disease extremely dangerous.

What Is the Periodontium?

The periodontium is the structure that supports your teeth. It includes:

• Gums
• Jawbone
• Ligaments
• Cementum

When these tissues become infected, it results in periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, some people are genetically more prone to it.

If untreated, it can lead to:

• Permanent bone loss
• Gum recession
• Tooth loosening
• Tooth loss

Common Causes of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath is often the first sign of plaque and gum disease.

Oral Hygiene Causes

• Poor brushing and flossing
• Bacteria on the tongue
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Dirty dentures or braces

Food & Drink Causes

• Garlic, onions, spices
• Coffee and alcohol

Medical Causes

Persistent bad breath may indicate:

• Gum infections
• Sinus problems
• Acid reflux
• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver disorders

Can Plaque and Gum Disease Be Cured?

Gingivitis: Fully reversible with proper oral care.

Periodontitis: Cannot be cured completely, but can be controlled and managed.

The goal of treatment is to:

• Stop disease progression
• Control infection
• Prevent further bone loss

What Is Scaling?

Scaling is a professional deep-cleaning procedure that removes:

• Hardened plaque (tartar)
• Stains
• Bacteria below the gum line

It is essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining fresh breath.

Why Scaling Is Important

Scaling helps:

•  Prevent gum infections
•  Reduce bad breath
•  Protect jawbone
•  Keep teeth firm
•  Improve overall oral health

Most people should get scaling done once or twice a year, depending on their oral condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is dental plaque made of?

Dental plaque is made of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that stick to the surface of teeth.

Q2. Is tartar the same as plaque?

No. Plaque is soft and removable by brushing. Tartar is hardened plaque that needs professional removal.

Q3. Can brushing remove tartar?

No. Once plaque turns into tartar, only a dentist can remove it using scaling.

Q4. What are early signs of gum disease?

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Redness
• Swelling
• Gum tenderness

Q5. Is bleeding while brushing normal?

No. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and should not be ignored.

Q6. Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Yes. Advanced gum disease destroys the bone supporting your teeth, leading to loosening and tooth loss.

Q7. How often should scaling be done?

Usually every 6–12 months, depending on plaque buildup and gum health.

Q8. Does scaling damage teeth?

No. Scaling actually protects your teeth and gums from further damage.

Q9. Can bad breath be permanent?

Yes, if the underlying cause—such as gum disease—is not treated.

Q10. Is gum disease contagious?

The bacteria responsible for gum disease can transfer through saliva, making oral hygiene important for everyone.

About the Expert

Dr Monalisa Ghosh is an oral medicine and radiology specialist with over eight years of academic and clinical experience in dentistry. She holds a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Oral Medicine and Radiology from Vinoba Bhave University and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the West Bengal University of Health Sciences.

Currently, Dr Ghosh runs Doctors Dental Clinic in Bandel, West Bengal, and also practices at New Life Line Dental Clinic in Dumdum. She is actively involved in CBCT and digital X-ray reporting for Dant Aarogyashala in Bihar, bringing advanced diagnostic precision to patient care. Previously, she served as a Senior Lecturer at Hazaribagh College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, where she combined clinical practice with academic mentoring.

A recipient of the Best Scientific Paper Award at the National Convention 2018 in Vijayawada, Dr Ghosh has chaired scientific sessions at national conferences and has multiple publications to her credit, including research articles and academic books in oral medicine, endodontics and diagnostic imaging. Her professional interests include CBCT-based diagnosis, oral lesion management and forensic dental studies.