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Why is good oral hygiene so important?
A good oral hygiene routine between regular visits to your dentist or hygienist twill
help to avoid common dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
These are the two most common oral diseases and they are caused by dental
plaque.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, whitish-coloured “slime” that forms on the teeth when bacteria in the
mouth combine with food and saliva. The bacteria in plaque form “bacteria cities” on
your teeth. Scientists call this plaque layer biofilm.
Plaque is formed continuously throughout the day – mostly between your teeth and
along the gum-line where your toothbrush can’t reach easily.
When plaque builds up the bacteria can start to cause tooth decay (which leads to
cavities requiring fillings) and gum disease. The longer you leave plaque without
doing something about it, the more damaging it becomes. 72% of the UK population
have visible plaque and tartar. However, with an effective oral hygiene routine,
plaque can be reduced to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.
What is Tartar?
Tartar forms when minerals in saliva cause plaque to harden, usually along the gum
line. These hard deposits of tartar are cream coloured and can be removed by your
dentist or hygienist. The rough surfaces caused by tartar can encourage further
plaque to develop.
What is Gum Disease?
If plaque and tartar are not removed, the bacteria can irritate and cause damage to
the gums around the teeth. Some signs of gum disease include;
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Tender, swollen or red gums
Bleeding, either spontaneously or after gentle brushing or eating
Bad breath that it is not associated with strong flavoured foods
It is estimated that about 95% of people will develop gum disease at some point in
their lives. Gum disease is the largest cause of tooth loss amongst adults in the UK.
Mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, is easily reversed with thorough plaque
removal.
If left untreated, gingivitis may advance to periodontal disease. This is when plaque
goes below the gum line and affects the supporting structures of the tooth. When this
happens the gums recede and create a gap where further plaque and tartar can
accumulate. The infection can lead to tooth loss.
Woodside Dental Practice, Barr Street, Glasgow, G20 7LR 0141 3320793 [email protected] What is Tooth Decay?
When we consume any sugary foods, bacteria in our mouths turn sugar into acid.
This acid weakens the tooth’s surface (enamel), which can lead to tooth decay.
Saliva helps wash away and neutralise the acid, and also contains minerals to
replace those lost during the acid attack (remineralisation). If you consume sugary
foods and drinks too frequently, the saliva is not able to fully remineralise the teeth
and a hole or cavity may eventually form.
How can Tooth Decay be prevented?
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Follow a thorough 3 step oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing and
rinsing to reduce plaque levels.
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Fluoride helps prevent decay by remineralising tooth enamel and reducing
plaque acids. The use of a fluoride-containing mouthwash in addition to
brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen teeth and protect
against cavities
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Cut down on sugary foods and drinks to help protect your teeth.
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Chewing a sugar free gum after meals and snacks stimulates salivary
production to help neutralize plaque acids and prevent cavities
Woodside Dental Practice, Barr Street, Glasgow, G20 7LR 0141 3320793 [email protected]