Why should everyone brush their teeth at least twice a day? At Durham Dental Group, we’re using this space to discuss why it is so important.
The first, and most obvious benefit, is that brushing and flossing prevents tooth decay. It removes the food debris from teeth and clears away plaque, that filmy residue that forms on their surface.
When food stays on teeth, the starches in the food mixes with theplaque and forms an acid that begins eating into the enamel. That is how cavities are formed.
Gum Disease
Second, and perhaps less obvious, is that brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy. The same plaque that causes decay can infect the gums. Eventually the gum tissue becomes infected and leads to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
Left untreated, it progresses into the more serious periodontitis.
The sequence generally goes like this:
- Plaque build-up irritates gums.
- Irritated gums pull back from the tooth.
- Bacteria multiply in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
- The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease is treatable, especially in its earliest stages.
At Durham Dental Group, we offer a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry, and have extended evening and Saturday hours for your busy schedule. Call us to make an appointment today!
Contact Durham Dental Group:
919-322-3585
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
202 W NC Highway 54 Ste 201
Durham, North Carolina
27713