There are some bacteria, which are essential for good health, but others are downright nasty and we need to banish them before they contribute to dental disasters.
Good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the best form of defence against harmful bacteria. With an effective regime of brushing and flossing, you can maximise your chances of good oral health. Ideally, you should brush every morning and evening for at least 2-3 minutes each time and floss daily; it’s important to do this to remove bacteria from your mouth and reduce the risk of plaque forming. Plaque is a sticky film, which is made when bacteria, food debris and saliva come together. Plaque is the most common cause of gum disease and decay.
Bacteria and halitosis
Halitosis (bad breath) is a very common problem, which is almost always associated with oral bacteria. When bacteria feed, they give off gases, which smell very unpleasant and this is why you get bad breath. Smoking and taking some types of medication can also increase the risk of halitosis. The best way to prevent bad breath is to stick to a good daily oral hygiene regime and to chew sugar-free gum after eating. It is also highly beneficial to see a dental hygienist in addition to your routine dental check-ups.
Dental checks
Dental appointments are really important because they enable your dentist to keep tabs on the mouth and identify any dental issues at an early stage. Dentists can then arrange any relevant treatment and they can also give the mouth a good clean, which removes surface stains to give the teeth a healthy white glow.
Tags: dental hygienist, Food Debris, halitosis, smoking
