If you want healthy teeth, then you should know that the key is removing the bacteria below your gum line.
Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth and an appealing smile. Your gums form a tight seal around your teeth to keep them in place. This tight seal formed by your gums also prevents bacteria from reaching the tooth roots and jaw bone that help keep your teeth in place.
Bacteria are an enemy of healthy teeth and gums. Bacteria feed on the sugars in your food, and in the process, produce acids that cause gum disease and tooth decay. These bacteria can mix with food particles, acid, and saliva to create plaque, a sticky film that coats the surface of your teeth and gums. Plaque irritates your gums to cause inflammation. In time, inflammation can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth to form pockets. Plaque and bacteria can fill these pockets to cause infections and gum disease below the gums and even in the roots of your teeth. In time, plaque hardens into tartar, which causes further irritation. Left untreated, the bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause advanced gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
The best way to remove bacteria from teeth and from the surface of your gums is by brushing and flossing regularly.
Clearly, removing bacteria below the gum line is critical for healthy teeth and gums.
Brushing helps remove bacteria from your mouth before it can cause gum disease and other oral health issues. Be sure to brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush; using a fluoridated toothpaste can help keep your tooth enamel strong enough to withstand the effects of bacterial activity.
Examine your teeth and gums after brushing to ensure that everything about your gum line is free from food. Do not brush below the gum line, as this can damage the delicate tissue that holds your teeth in place.
Flossing removes some of the bacteria sitting close to your gum line. Floss once a day, using proper technique. Never floss so vigorously that your gums bleed.
Rinsing with mouthwash removes bacteria from your oral cavity, especially from below your gum line. Swish mouthwash in your mouth once a day, rinsing your mouth for 30 seconds.
The best cleaning below your gum line happens at the dentist. For best results, get your teeth professionally cleaned at your dentist’s office twice a year. The dentists at Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental have the tools and products to clean below your gum line – we also have the training and experience to make your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Bacteria accumulating below your gum line can cause serious oral health problems, including tooth decay below the gum line and even tooth loss. Come see the dental professionals at Williams, Daily & Frazier – we can help you create a great smile!