Recently, my friend asked me if her teeth were infected or intoxicated because she found them blackened along the gum line (gum margin). Initially, I thought she had tooth decay or stained teeth. Actually, she had calculus, which is a symptom of periodontal disease (gum disease).
Although most of the people in Hong Kong brush their teeth everyday, many of them overlook the gum line (gum margin). dental plaque then accumulates in the area and slowly calcifies to form calculus. Many people misunderstand that the adhered calculus is part of their teeth. They do not realize that there is a problem in their teeth.
The rough surface of calculus will allow accumulation of more dental plaque. This will aggravate the periodontal disease (gum disease). Tooth brushing cannot remove the calculus because it is adhered to the teeth.
To prevent periodontal disease (gum disease) and ensure that the teeth and gums are healthy, one should have a dental check up every year and receive professional teeth cleaning to remove calculus.
Healthy gums
Dental plaque and calculus accumulated at the gum line