Description

Mouth and Dental Health

Your oral cavity collects all sorts of bacteria, viruses,
and fungi. Some of them belong there, making up the normal flora of your mouth.
They’re generally harmless in small quantities. But a diet high in sugar
creates conditions in which acid-producing bacteria can flourish. This acid dissolves tooth
enamel and causes dental cavities.

Bacteria near your gumline thrive in a sticky matrix called plaque.
Plaque accumulates, hardens, and migrates down the length of your tooth if it
isn’t removed regularly by brushing and flossing. This can inflame your gums
and cause the condition known as gingivitis.

Increased inflammation causes your gums to begin to pull
away from your teeth. This process creates pockets in which pus may eventually
collect. This more advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis.

There are many factors that contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis, including:

smoking

poor brushing habits

frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks

diabetes

the use of medications that reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth

family history, or genetics

certain infections, such as HIV or AIDS

hormonal changes in women

acid reflux, or heartburn

frequent vomiting, due to the acid