What Is Living In Your Mouth?

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What Is Living In Your Mouth?At Community Dental Group, we often find that while our clients are aware of the different issues that can impact oral health, individuals are not always clear as to the variations in factors that can influence dental hygiene. This can also make it difficult for patients to decide upon the most applicable products for home care and between visit maintenance. By better understanding what can really impact dental wellness, clients in the Thousand Oaks, CA, area can also make more educated decisions for care.

  • Bacteria – no matter what we do, there will always be a certain amount of bacteria present in the mouth. This is a combination of what we ingest and put into our mouths, which may be carrying these organisms, but it is also due to the beneficial bacteria that live in our bodies and help us process nutrients. In this respect, it is important to be aware of supporting a healthy balance of the beneficial organisms, while also eliminating excess ones that can lead to disease.
  • Plaque – this is essentially a film that forms on the teeth and gums, and is a combination of excess saliva that is mixed with bacteria. When the film collects on the teeth and gums, it can also lead to cavities and gum disease as a result of the bacteria generating inflammation in the soft tissue and eroding the enamel. Regular brushing can effectively remove plaque, and dental cleanings can further address this issue.
  • Tartar – tartar is essentially hardened plaque. This happens when the film is not properly removed and begins to mineralize around the roots of teeth. This can lead to porous malformations in the teeth, which also increase the chance of cavities and gum disease. Some removal can be done with brushing, but one tartar has formed, a dental cleaning is necessary to safely scrape away these deposits.

By understanding how oral health is impacted by both our habits and our lifestyles, we are also better able to address a good wellness routine that includes brushing twice a day, and getting regular exams.