Dental story online

Brushing you teeth isn't just to help keep them looking great and free from cavities - it helps reduce the risks of gum disease.

There's a bit more to just brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist every six months. Plaque is the leading cause of gum disease. Since plaque is a film that builds up along the gum line, it causes food and germs to get trapped. Then, the germs attack the gums causing soreness and bleeding. Once the plaque is left on the gums too long, tartar begins to form. Brushing AND flossing can help reduce this build up along with visiting your dentist for professional cleanings.

Most of us have heard of gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease. Tenderness and bleeding when brushing and flossing your teeth is generally a good sign of gingivitis. To prevent it, brushing and flossing twice daily is the key. The second stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. This is what happens when gingivitis is not taken care of properly. Periodontitis will not only cause swollen gums, but it will cause gums to actually pull away from your teeth. Left untreated your teeth then begin to loosen and fall out.

It is imperative for this reason to keep up on your dental care. Brushing and flossing are a must. Spending 3 minutes brushing your teeth two times a day is a great habit to get into, while flossing at least one of those times each day. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with a back and forth motion. Most people forget that brushing your gums is part of good dental hygiene, not just brushing your teeth. The surface of the tongue should be brushed as well. This will help prevent germ buildup and therefore help prevent bad breath.

See your dentist, brush and floss regularly, and your chances of having gum disease is almost a slim to none chance.