The Consequences of Poor Oral Care

Skipping brushing your teeth can lead to more than just bad breath and yellow teeth. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we are dedicated to informing our patients about good oral health. Read on to learn some of the consequences of taking poor oral care.

Brushing and flossing your teeth is to remove plaque that builds up from food, saliva, and other debris. After brushing, plaque (a bacterial film) builds up just hours later. This is why brushing should be done two or three times per day. Plaque that is not brushed away turns into tartar which is only able to be removed by a dentist.

When plaque and tartar are not removed, they begin to irritate the gums, leading to gum disease and causing gum tissue recession. Receded gums form deep pockets where bacteria can collect. These pockets are hard-to-reach areas so it often makes clearing up gum disease very difficult.

Gum disease can cause bleeding, painful gums, the spread of infection, and the loss of teeth. In addition, it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Extensive dental cleanings and even gum surgery may be needed to clear up severe gum disease.

To keep a healthy mouth, brush two to three times per day and floss once per day.  In addition, schedule routine dental visits at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA. To schedule, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com.