Yes! Good oral hygiene removes the plaque and bacteria that contribute to gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Here's what you should know.
How Tooth Decay Develops
When you eat snacks or a meal, a white, sticky film called plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque houses the bacteria that contribute to problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Sugar fuels those bacteria, and they produce acid as a byproduct, which eats away at tooth enamel and can cause cavities.
You can disrupt this process by brushing your teeth, which removes plaque and bacteria and protects your teeth from decay.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease develops when plaque and bacteria move below the gumline and cause an infection in the soft tissues and bone around your teeth. If it's not treated, the infection slowly progresses and eventually destroys your teeth's support system, resulting in tooth loss. Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults?
Protect Your Healthy Smile
Routine preventive teeth cleanings and exams with your dentist can protect your smile from problems like gum disease and tooth decay. If it's time for your biannual visit, contact our team at (904) 460-0999 to schedule an appointment.