What causes tooth decay and gum diseases

Teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. After a meal or snack, these bacteria convert the sugar in foods into acids. These acids attack the enamel, the tooth’s hard outer layer. Repeated attack can cause the enamel to break down and lead to cavities.

If you brush twice a day and floss once a day, you can remove most of the harmful plaque and bacteria. If plaque stays on the teeth, it will eventually harden up into tartar. Plaque that is buy purinetholcan also irritate and inflame your gums, making them swell or bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

If gum disease is left untreated, it can cause your gums to pull away from the teeth. Pockets or spaces can form between the teeth and gums. These pockets can become infected. In advanced stages of gum disease, bone loss can occur and teeth become loose, fall out or have to be pulled.

Source: ADA

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