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It is important to adopt a good oral hygiene routine between regular visits to your dentist or hygienist to avoid common dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. These are the two most common oral diseases both of which are caused by dental plaque.
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What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, whitish coloured film that forms on the teeth when bacteria in the mouth combine with food and saliva. Plaque is formed continuously throughout the day and is most likely to accumulate between your teeth and along the gum-line where your toothbrush can't easily reach. When plaque accumulates the bacteria can start to cause tooth decay (which leads to cavities requiring fillings) and gum disease. The longer you leave plaque undisturbed, the more damaging it becomes.
72-73% of the UK population has visible plaque and calculus. However, with an effective oral hygiene routine, plaque can be reduced to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.
What is Tartar?
Over 90% of people develop tartar, which is formed when minerals in saliva cause plaque to harden. This hard yellow substance accumulates along the gum-line, usually on the back of lower teeth, and can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist. Once formed, the rough surfaces of tartar encourage further plaque to develop.
What is Gum Disease?
If plaque and tartar are not removed, the bacteria can irritate and cause damage to the gums around the teeth. Signs of gum disease include:
- Tender, swollen or red gums
- Bleeding, either spontaneously, or after gentle brushing or eating
- Bad breath that it is not associated with strong flavoured foods
It is estimated that around 95% of people will develop gum disease at some point in their lives, which is the largest cause of tooth loss amongst adults in the UK.
However, mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, is easily reversed with thorough plaque removal.
If left untreated gingivitis may advance to periodontal disease when plaque reaches below the gum line and affects the tooth supporting structures. When this happens the gums tend to pull away from the teeth and create a gap where further plaque and tartar accumulate. The resulting infection can lead to tooth loss.
What is Tooth Decay?
When we consume any sugary foods, bacteria in our mouths turn sugar into acid. This acid softens the tooth's enamel, which can lead to tooth decay.
Saliva helps wash away and neutralise the acid, and also contains the necessary minerals to replace those lost during the acid attack (remineralisation). If you consume sugary foods and drinks too frequently, the saliva is not able to fully remineralise the teeth and a decayed hole or cavity may eventually form.
How can tooth decay be prevented?
- Follow a thorough 3 step oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing to reduce plaque
- Fluoride helps prevent decay by remineralising tooth enamel and reducing plaque acids. Use of a fluoride containing mouthwash in addition to brushing with fluoride toothpaste will provide additional help to strengthen teeth against cavities
- Cut down on sugary foods and drinks to help protect the teeth
- Chewing a sugar free gum after meals and snacks stimulates salivary production to help neutralize plaque acids and prevent cavities
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| This product information is intended only for residents of the UK. Use only as directed. |
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© Johnson & Johnson Ltd, 2007.
This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Ltd which is solely responsible for its contents.
It is intended for a UK audience. Last updated on 4 April 2008
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