Without proper teeth cleaning, plaque builds up and forms tartar, leading to gum disease. While a dentist can remove the plaque and tartar, if you have an unusual accumulation, even with regular teeth cleaning, it could indicate another health condition. Here are three of the most common health conditions that a buildup of plaque and resulting gum disease could warn you about.

Health Conditions That Plaque Could Indicate

1. Diabetes

One of the many complications of diabetes is dry mouth. While this may seem like a small concern, it has large consequences for your teeth. Your saliva contains antibacterial compounds that help fight plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth. A reduction in your saliva means less effective bacteria control, resulting in more plaque developing on your teeth. Over time, this leads to gum disease, and since those with diabetes have an increased risk of infection, the risks are even higher for periodontitis to develop. Have your physician check you for diabetes if your dentist notes that you have more plaque on your teeth than usual.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you go through hormonal changes that can directly affect your dental health. One of these changes is a limitation on your body’s ability to respond appropriately to bacteria. This means you could experience a buildup of plaque in your mouth, despite routine teeth cleaning procedures, which puts you at a higher risk for developing gum disease. If you’re a female and have been noticing an unexplained increase in your plaque levels, you should check to see if pregnancy is the cause.

3. Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin A, calcium, proteins, and other nutrients are essential to tooth health. Protein energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency affect your salivary glands and can potentially change the composition and amount of saliva produced in your mouth. This reduces your saliva’s efficiency at battling bacteria in your mouth, causing an accumulation of plaque to develop on your teeth.

In Kalispell, MT, the cosmetic and general dentistry team at Dental Distinctions can provide teeth cleaning services and advise you on if your plaque could indicate more serious concerns. For more than 20 years, they’ve prevented, diagnosed, and treated dental concerns for patients of all ages with precision, compassion, and skill. They provide comprehensive dental care to address all of your concerns, combining general dentistry knowledge with cosmetic solutions to give you a smile you’ll be proud of. Learn about their cosmetic dentistry offerings online, and call (406) 755-4166 to schedule an appointment.