Preventive Dentistry is all about defending yourself against tooth and gum disease.  Tooth disease and gum disease are both caused by bacteria, but the disease process is slightly different.

Tooth Decay (cavities):  Bacteria, Sugar, and Time

Tooth decay is caused by several very specific types of bacteria.  Everyone has it and it is impossible to eliminate that natural occurring bacteria.  The goal is to keep the levels low, and this is how:

Brush teeth a minimum of twice a day for at least two minutes.  Most important times are in the morning and right before bed.  The tooth brush can’t reach between teeth so floss once a day to clean that area.  Also don’t forget to scrub your tongue and roof of your mouth.  The addition of a mouth rinse to finish off and you will be feeling fresh.

The next thing we need to watch out for is sugar.  The bacteria likes to stick on your teeth and its main source of food is sugar (not your teeth).  When it digests the sugar, the byproduct is acid.  This acid is what erodes your tooth.  Sugar is in many common food and drinks such as soda, sweet tea, juice, lemonade, candy, cookies, gummies, and carbohydrates.

Lastly, time is a big factor in tooth decay.  The amount of contact time the bacteria has with your tooth, and the amount of time the sugar is in your mouth makes a big difference.  Sugar during meals or a quick snack is no big deal, however sipping on a sugary drink or snacking for long periods of time give the bacteria much more time to cause cavities.  Also, snacking before bed without brushing gives the bacteria all night to attack your teeth.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Bacteria, Plaque, Calculus (tartar)

Gum disease is also caused by bacteria sticking to your teeth.  This type of bacteria lives on the surface of your tooth and in the pocket between your gums and teeth.  This bacteria forms a plaque on your teeth.  If this plaque isn’t brushed off effectively it becomes calcified.  This calculus is hard and adhered to your tooth.  Only a skilled hygienist or dentist can remove this.  This is why it is important to see us twice a year.

This bacterial plaque is very irritating to your gums and jawbones.  The first stage of gum disease is Gingivitis which is completely reversible as soon as the plaque and calculus is removed.  The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis.  The gums and bone are so irritated and inflamed that they begin to recede and shrink away from the bacteria.  This causes irreversible bone loss.  If left unchecked for too long it can lose so much bone that the tooth gets loose and needs to come out.

Take good care of your teeth and they will last a lifetime.

In summary brush twice a day for two minutes, floss once a day, and eat a healthy diet while minimizing sugar between meals.  There are many more tips we can give so ask us during your next cleaning.