Here are some key points about teeth and gums.
Teeth are covered with a hard, outer coating called enamel.
A tooth is primarily composed of minerals.
Plaque is a sticky colorless film of bacteria that adhere to teeth.
Plaque use sugar to produce acids, which eat away at the tooth's enamel.
Saliva constantly remineralizes teeth, protecting them from decay.
Dental caries (decay) is the result of an infectious process.
Early decay can be reversed by natural remineralization.
A cavity is decay that has progressed to the point it forms a hole in the tooth.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to bleed with brushing.
Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease.
Within 3-5 minutes after exposure to sugar the teeth begin to demineralize.
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals results in a significant reduction in the formation of dental cavities.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing infections, including gum disease.
Some people are genetically more prone to severe gum disease than others.
