The ManicaPost
THERE are billions of bacteria living inside our mouths at any given time.
Many of these bacteria build up as plaque, causing tooth decay (cavities) and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease.
For a healthy smile, you must practice good oral hygiene every day.
Brushing after meals, using antimicrobial mouthwash, and flossing at least once per day helps to keep these disease causing bacteria from reproducing in your mouth, and causing tooth decay.
And, healthy diets that minimise sugary and starchy foods also helps to keep those bad bacterial under control.
Where does tooth decay come from?
Your mouth is home to entire communities of bacteria that are recycling your food and drinks.
In the process, these bacteria can cause tooth decay in our mouths – by feeding on the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume to grow – then leaving behind the waste, in the form of a biofilm known as dental plaque.
This plaque allows all those little recyclers to stick around your teeth longer, until eventually they make acids, which wear down the tooth enamel and cause cavities.
The bacteria in the plaque that forms near the gums also produce toxic products that enter the gum tissues, causing gingivitis.
If untreated, gingivitis may become periodontitis, a more serious disease where there is bone and tissue loss around the teeth.
Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugary foods are obvious sources of plaque, but there are others that you might not realise can cause harm. Starches — such as bread, crackers, and cereal — also cause acids to form.
The dental plaque created from bacteria also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, sensitive, and susceptible to bleeding.
This can lead to gum disease, in which gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that fill with bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed and teeth may become loose or have to be removed.
How can I prevent tooth decay?
The best way to prevent tooth decay and remove plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day.
Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brush your teeth twice per day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your toothbrush should fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily.
Use an antimicrobial toothpaste containing fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay.
Clean between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from between the teeth, where the toothbrush can’t reach.
Flossing is essential to prevent gum disease. – Dentistry.uic
