How Tooth Brushing Prevents Gum Disease

Why should you brush your teeth at least twice a day? At Beam Smile Design in Nashville, we’re using this space to discuss why it is so important.

The first, and most obvious benefit, is that brushing and flossing prevents tooth decay. It removes the food debris from teeth and clears away plaque, that filmy residue that forms on their surface.

When food stays on teeth, the starches in the food mixes with the plaque and forms an acid that begins eating into the enamel. That is how cavities are formed.

Gum Disease

Regular brushing and flossing also keeps gums and bone healthy. The same plaque that causes decay can infect the gums. Eventually the gum tissue becomes infected and leads to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

Left untreated, it progresses into the more serious periodontitis.

The sequence generally goes like this:

Plaque build-up irritates gums.
Irritated gums pull back from the tooth.
Bacteria multiply in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease is treatable, especially in its earliest stages.

At Beam Smile Design in Nashville we treat gum disease. Patients from East Nashville, Berry Hill, and Bellevue also come to our practice for a full range of restorative dentistry and other services. Schedule an appointment with us today!