How does plaque harm my teeth and gums?

The bacteria in plaque react with foods we eat to produce acids that can attack and weaken tooth enamel (the hard, protective covering on our teeth), opening the way for cavities to develop. Plaque can also irritate the gums, leading to gum disease, which, in its early stage, is called gingivitis.

Am I at risk for gum disease?

Yes, gum disease can affect you at any age; however, it most often affects adults. In fact, about three out of four adults over age 35 have gum disease now or have had it in the past. Fortunately, with regular dental visits and proper oral care every day, gingivitis can be

prevented or reversed, because no permanent damage has been done.

Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis, in which the bone and gums that support your teeth become damaged. Once periodontitis develops, the damage can’t be reversed—only a professional treatment program and improved daily oral care at home can keep it from getting worse.

What can I do to avoid cavities and gum disease?

How do I know that I am brushing my teeth properly?

Proper brushing is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It takes at least two minutes using a recommended technique to do a good job of brushing your teeth. You should spend 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right and left, lower right and left).

Brush up on brushing:

There are many ways to brush your teeth. Here’s one frequently recommended method:

What about power toothbrushes?

For more effective toothbrushing, new power toothbrushes that incorporate advanced technology are available. The brushing action of power toothbrushes is very different from ordinary manual toothbrushes, as it does the job of brushing for you— just be sure to guide the brushhead to all parts of your mouth.

Is brushing twice a day enough?

How should I be cleaning in between my teeth?

There are many different ways to clean in between your teeth. For example, by flossing:

How do I clean around crown and bridge work?

You should brush and clean between your teeth as you would normally. However, food and plaque are more likely to get trapped along the edges of a crown and under a bridge. Therefore, careful cleaning around these restorations is essential every day.

My teeth have wide gaps between them; do I still have to floss?

Even if you have widely spaced teeth, plaque still forms between them and below the gumline—areas your brush can’t reach. In addition to flossing, your dentist or hygienist may also recommend using an interdental toothbrush. This toothbrush has a very small tapered or cylindrical head with fine bristles, ideal for removing plaque between wider-spaced teeth.

I have sensitive teeth; what can I do about this?

Teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, or to very sugary or acidic foods and drinks. This may be due to gum recession, where softer parts of the tooth have been exposed. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend a treatment or products that can help alleviate the problem.

What should I look for in a toothbrush?

Healthy teeth and gums for life! As you can see, it’s not difficult to have healthy teeth and gums. All it takes are regular visits to the dentist and a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth every day.

Is there anything else I can do?

What gets checked at a checkup?

While checkups can vary, your dentist will most likely examine your teeth and gums for any visible problems. He or she may also take x-rays to make sure there aren’t any hidden problems. Your dentist or hygienist may also professionally clean your teeth to remove hardened plaque (tartar) from above and below the gumline, as well as polish them (also called a prophylaxis) to remove hardened plaque and stains from the tooth surface. You should plan on seeing your dentist and hygienist twice a year for checkups. And don’t forget: your dentist and hygienist can also provide expert instruction on brushing and flossing.