Your mouth is constantly under attack. Every time you eat or drink something that has sugars or starches, bacteria releases acids. In turn, those acids start going after your tooth enamel.
The big culprit? Plaque. That sticky substance keeps all those acids within your teeth. Over time, the enamel starts to break down, and tooth decay might not be far behind.
Problems Associated with a Plaque
But those are just a few of the problems the plaque can cause. Here’s a snapshot at other problems associated with plaque:
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Gum disease: A mild type of gum disease is gingivitis, which is when your gums become irritated, red or swollen around your teeth. Gingivitis can occur when plaque is left unchecked until it hardens under your gumline, collecting tartar. This, in turn, leads to more bacteria. Aside from swollen and dark gums, other symptoms include bad breath, tender gums and, gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
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Heart attack and dementia: Although scientists have found links that show poor oral health can lead to other health problems, WebMD says they haven’t found a “cause and effect” yet. With that said, it’s believed that bacteria can escape into the bloodstream. That, in turn, can cause other health problems.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic gingiva inflammation may also be linked to diseases like respiratory and coronary artery diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and even stroke. Again, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gum tissue, impacting everything from your lungs to your heart.
Bad breath and gums that bleed when you brush are the least of your problems when it comes to plaque, thanks in part to the nasty bacteria that enters the body. Your Canon City dentist can help eliminate the problem, but general dentistry best practices are pretty simple when it comes to plaque: take a proactive approach by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash.
