How does this happen?
No. 1 Gum disease (or periodontitis) can result from improper brushing and daily flossing.
No. 2 Gum tissue can be affected by nighttime grinding and clenching of teeth as it wears down the enamel.
No. 3 An injury to the mouth can cause gum tissue to recede from the tooth.
No. 4 You may be at higher risk for gum disease if one or both of your parents have receding gums.
No. 6 Brushing your teeth harshly can wear down tooth enamel and gum tissue.
No. 7 If your bite is misaligned (it doesn’t match up), the constant pressure on individual teeth can create gum recession.

4 Steps to Prevent Gum Disease:
No. 1 Use a soft-bristled tooth brush and brush gently but thoroughly. Don’t forget to floss!
No. 2 Use an antimicrobial toothpaste and mouth rinse to reduce the amount of harmful in the mouth.
No. 3 Wearing a night guard can help to prevent clenching and grinding of your pearly whites while you sleep.
No 4 Six month dental cleanings will remove calculus to prevent periodontitis.

You don’t have to let gum disease keep your smile at bay. If you think you are experiencing gum disease, see one of our dentists for an evaluation and begin any necessary treatment. Untreated gum disease can eventually result in tooth loss. We invite you to call our Royse City Dental Care staff at 972-636-2417 today!

The post How Gum Disease Impacts You first appeared on Royse City Dental Care.

Streptococcus is a type of bacteria which lives in your mouth, and every time you eat a piece of food, or drink something, it feeds on the sugars and starches left behind. Then it reacts with the sugars and starches and creates acid. Eventually this acid turns into a sticky film—plaque—that coats your teeth and if left untreated, hardens into tartar.

Tooth decay happens in stages. As the bacterial acid breaks down your tooth enamel, it exposes the softer, sensitive dentin layer underneath. As it strips the minerals from your enamel it causes holes. The dentin, because it is soft, is even more vulnerable to acid erosion. If it is allowed to continue unchecked, it wears down the tooth’s structure until it reaches the pulp, which houses the nerves and blood vessels. Here the bacteria irritate the pulp until is swells, which means you can experience severe toothache and sensitivity, and pain when you chew. If your becomes abscessed, you will have an infection, which is the creation of a pocket of pus as your body sends white blood cells to fight the infection.

To avoid the damaging effects of plaque and the resulting cavities, there are some things you can do:

–Brush and floss at least twice a day.
–Drink water to stay well hydrated by maintaining saliva production to protect your teeth and gums.
–Eat a healthy balanced diet, avoiding excess sugars and starches.
–Visit your dentist at least once a year to remove hardened plaque.

Our dental team at Royse City Dental Care is here to help you keep cavities at bay. Call us at 972-636-2417 if you have any questions or to schedule your next appointment!

The post Plaque and Your Oral Health first appeared on Royse City Dental Care.