By Cape Pediatric & Family Dentistry | November 13, 2019 at 04:37 PM EST |
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Have your ever pondered on the reasons why we need to brush our teeth? Today's blog will cover the reasons behind the recommendation.
Good oral care is part of a healthy lifestyle. It's easy to keep your teeth and gums in good health. A simple routine of daily teeth cleaning, good eating habits and regular dental visits can help prevent tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease.
How does brushing teeth prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. After a meal or snack, these bacteria convert the sugar in foods into acids. These acids attack the enamel, the tooth's hard outer layer. Plaque can also build up overnight while you are sleeping. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down and lead to cavities.
If you brush twice a day and floss once a day, you can remove most of the harmful plaque and bacteria. But if plaque stays on the teeth, it will eventually harden into tartar. Tartar can build up near the gum line. Since tartar is more difficult to brush or floss away, it gives the bacteria a place to grow without being disturbed.
Plaque that is not removed can also irritate and inflame your gums, making them swell or bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with professional dental cleaning and good oral hygiene at home.
If gum disease is left untreated, it can cause your gums to pull away from the teeth. Pockets or spaces can form between the teeth and gums. These pockets can become infected. In advanced stages of gum disease, bone loss can occur and teeth may become loose, fall out or have to be pulled.
You may prevent both tooth decay and gum disease by always remembering to brush twice a day and floss daily. It is much easier and less expensive to prevent tooth decay and gum disease than to treat them!
Sources: Ada.org
Photo: Unsplash.com