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Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Two of your worst enemies could be lurking around in your mouth as you
read this. They are serious, vicious, sly and oftentimes successful.
So, who makes up this evil pair? Tooth decay and gum disease. That’s
right. These two nasty conditions are created by naturally occurring
oral bacteria, and the acids they produce. Unchecked tooth decay leads
inevitably to gum disease, which even conservative estimates say is present
in at least 80% of the population. Gum disease, in turn, is responsible
for up to 70% of adult tooth loss.
Your mouth’s constant supply of normal bacteria produces a sticky “plaque” and they deposit it on your teeth. Foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) combined with the plaque form a strong acid, which erodes your enamel and breaks down gum-tooth connecting fibers, thus allowing further bacteria and toxins to invade unprotected tissues. This process allows your tooth, tooth root and jawbone susceptibility to become damaged or even destroyed by decay.
So, let’s stop these culprits in their tracks. Make it a daily habit to brush twice with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or inter-dental cleaner. Also, cut down on snacking; eat nutritious, well-balanced meals and remember to visit us regularly for a professional cleaning and oral examination.
1572 Westbrook Plaza Dr. • Winston-Salem, NC 27103 • Phone 336.768.0480 • Fax 336.760.5525
©2005 Matthew Keider, DDS
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