We all know that, if we want to keep our mouths healthy and attractive, it is important to avoid getting cavities and gum disease. But in order to really achieve this goal, we have to first understand how these issues come about in the first place. That is why our Glendale dentists are here! Once you know how cavities and gum disease develop, you can begin to take proactive steps to protect your smile for the long-term.
One of the key causes of dental problems is oral plaque. Plaque is basically a sticky substance, like a film, that coats your teeth and oral tissues. Plaque is full of oral bacteria—and these bacteria are what put your oral health at risk.
Now, oral plaque is pretty much continuously building up in your mouth—plaque is a natural byproduct of your daily functioning. Plaque accumulates when you eat and drink, because oral bacteria feed on the sugars and carbohydrates in your foods and drinks.
So what happens when plaque accumulates in your mouth?
1. You may notice that you suffer from bad breath. Oral bacteria emit odors, which only become more pronounced and intense as additional bacteria build up.
2. The plaque that coats your enamel and your gum tissues causes them to weaken over time. Bacteria produce acids that attack healthy tissues, thus putting you at risk for cavities and gum disease.
3. Plaque does not remain a sticky film indefinitely. When plaque sits on your smile for a long period of time (more than a day or two), it actually calcifies to a patient’s dental enamel. This makes it harder to remove.
There are many things that you can do in order to protect your smile from the dangers of plaque. Our Glendale dentist office has the information that you need to take these health-promoting steps. So just give us a call, or submit a question for our team on our website.