Handy Dental Care Facts
March 10, 2009
The first thing that we are taught as toddlers is to brush our teeth. Surprisingly then we still have so much problem in keeping our teeth in good condition. It is said there are so many microbes that live in your mouth it actually exceeds the number of people on this earth. Thank God not all of them are harmful, but there are others like Streptococcus mutans by name, that are eating away your teeth.
To loose a tooth means that you have what is referred to as periodontal disease. What is actually happening is that the tooth’s enamel is slowly being broken down. This then results into cavities, which of course if not treated will finally result in loss of the tooth. Periodontal disease will attack your gums tissues as well as the ligaments. These are the things that support the tooth. Once they have been damaged then the next thing you know is that the tooth will fall out. This is all because despite having been taught as a child to brush your teeth, you have not been successful in controlling the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
So what does this streptococcus do? They cause the decay causing bacteria to mix with the saliva, forming a stick film. This is what we call plaque and adheres to the surface of the tooth. The bacteria feed on the sugar from residual food in your mouth which then transforms it into lactic acid. This then attaches it self to the plaque and if the plaque is not removed then the acid will dissolve the teeth’s enamel and cause inflammation to the gums. Normally plaque is removed with the brushing that you would be doing, but it gets left behind in the spaces between the teeth. This is where it is growing and subsequently attacking the tooth.
It has been repeatedly advised that one needs to visit the dentist at least once a year for a regular check up. This is important so that he can give you an in-depth account of just how well you current oral health is. Some people are able to manage their oral health pretty efficiently while others could do with additional help. To get better results in helping remove plaque build up, introduce dental flossing of the teeth. This will insure that you are able to remove all those tiny bits of food that get caught up between the teeth. A non alcoholic mouth wash is also a good way to keep plaque under control.
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