Gum Disease Info
Oral Health & Gum Disease
The mouth is host to more than 500 species of bacteria at any given time. Most of these bacteria are “friendly;” their presence is necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. But about 5% of these bacteria are potentially harmful and can ultimately lead to various forms of Gum Disease. The starches and sugars you consume become fuel for these unfriendly bacteria, which in turn form plaque, an invisible, sticky film that can cling to teeth. Brushing can remove this plaque, but any plaque that is missed can harden under your gum line and can turn into tartar within days. Tartar binds so tightly to teeth that it can only be removed by professional cleaning. The problem with tartar is twofold: it acts as a reservoir for harmful bacteria that may lead to Gum Disease and makes plaque more difficult to brush away in the first place. Click on the topics below for more information on Gum Disease and how it affects you.
