FACT: Poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to build upon your teeth and gums. If left untreated, it can cause it to get inflamed, which can result in bleeding gums.
The bacteria that causes the inflammation in your mouth is also a culprit behind other health problems. Periodontal disease often has a link to several health issues such as heart disease and dementia. It also includes diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even premature birth.
How Plaque Affects Your Oral Health
Plaque naturally occurs on a person’s teeth. The food or drink that you consume that have high amounts of sugar can cause the bacteria to release acids which attacks the person’s tooth enamel. Dental plaque has a very adhesive composition that it can keep the acid stuck in your teeth. Leaving it untreated can eventually dissolve the tooth enamel, which often leads to tooth decay.
Plaque buildup can increase a person’s risk of developing gum disease. It often starts as gingivitis, which causes your gums to swell and sometimes even bleed. Once it progresses, it can lead to severe periodontal diseases. This critical gum condition can cause the gum tissues to pull away from your teeth. As a result, the bacteria dissolve the underlying bone that supports the teeth. Once this happens, one of the ways to get your smile back is to ask your Upland dentist about root canal procedures.
How Do You Treat Dental Plaque?
Proper oral hygiene can help you get rid of your plaque. It should include regular flossing and brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, there are a few doctors that recommend using electric toothbrushes. That’s because they believe that these devices can effectively remove any existing plaque.
Simple brushing cannot remove hardened plaque. You’ll need an expert hand to do it for you. Your oral hygienist or dentist can help eliminate it once you visit them for a regular checkup as well as cleaning. Since tartar buildup often thrives in tight corners, it’s crucial to visit a dentist every six months to prevent it from getting worse.
Prevention Is Always Better than Cure
Proper oral hygiene is a must in your pursuit of better oral health. Brushing it twice a day, especially after eating sugary foods, is important. But there are times when brushing isn’t enough to get rid of all the bacteria completely.
To get at the germs and bacteria left between your teeth, rinse your pearly whites with mouthwash. Using mouth rinses after brushing and flossing can help reduce the appearance of plaque and gingivitis.
If you want to use a rinse but are not a big fan of teeth staining, then, a probiotic or an herbal rinse should do the trick. Although studies showed that both mouth rinses could help fight off plaque, herbal rinse doesn’t cause any staining.
Plaque can cause a lot of oral problems if left untreated. Instead of facing them, practicing proper oral hygiene is a must to ensure your health. Also, visit your dentist to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
