Our Dental Blog

Keeping your smile healthy depends on a strong oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist. Preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and gums also means preventing the bad bacteria that they contain. Plaque and tartar that build up on the surface of your teeth and along and beneath your gums can harbor all types of oral bacteria. Harmful oral bacteria can lead to things like tooth decay and gum disease. A healthy smile can help you maintain your body’s overall health.

Maintaining Good Hygiene

Good oral hygiene depends on brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once. Despite having this knowledge, many people still skip brushing or flossing once in a while, especially when life gets busy. The danger of missing even one session can give oral bacteria a chance to multiply. Leaving your mouth full of leftover food and drink while you sleep can highly increase your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. It also allows plaque to harden into tartar, which your toothbrush and floss cannot remove. Drinking water or chewing sugarless gum throughout the day can help rinse away harmful bacteria in between your brushing and flossing sessions. It can also help to be mindful of things that you eat and drink, as sugar and carbohydrates can be feasts and fuel for bad bacteria.

Keeping Up With Routine Checkups and Cleanings

If tartar forms on your teeth, it gives the bacteria inside of it a chance to produce harmful substances, like toxins and acids. Toxic acidic attacks are what causes issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Only a professional cleaning can remove tartar buildup from teeth. Regular cleanings keep your teeth healthy, and also give you a chance to learn what areas of your mouth you may be missing during your oral hygiene routine.

Bad Bacteria Can Be Prevented

Harmful bacteria can lead to dental problems. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.