Park Ridge Implant Dentists Explore Two Notorious Oral Bacteria

As implant dentists in Park Ridge, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas can expertly restore your smile from tooth loss and other devastating dental maladies. However, as part of our dedication to preserving our patients’ beautiful and vibrant smiles, your Park Ridge dentists warn that preventing such maladies is preferable to treating them. To effectively protect your smile from developing dental issues, you must first understand what causes them and how you can work to prevent them. Today, we explore two of the most notorious sources of destructive dental diseases—the oral bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease development.

The Source of Destructive Tooth Decay

Oral bacteria are a constant and consistent presence in your mouth. Nevertheless, controlling the dental plaque they form to cling to your teeth and gums is a focal point of good dental hygiene. Among the harmful microbes contained in plaque is the germ Streptococcus mutans, which feeds on sugar and carbohydrates, then converts them into organic acid. The acid depletes your teeth of essential minerals, making it impossible for your tooth enamel to remain strong in the face of continuing acid attacks. Limit the amount of times you snack throughout the day to help deprive S. mutans of the fuel it needs to produce acid and reduce your risk of developing tooth decay due to acid erosion.

The Manipulative Gum Disease Germ

Oral bacteria’s attack on your gums is also strengthened by the formation of dental plaque. Some germs release toxins then they gather along your gum line, irritating your gums and causing them to recede. The resulting pockets that form between your teeth and gums allow more bacteria to gather, exacerbating the destruction of your gums. In particular, however, the oral germ Porphyromonas gingivalis has the tendency to manipulate your immune system, leading to excessive inflammation and sometimes bleeding of your gums. If not treated promptly, gum disease soon develops and can threaten your entire smile’s integrity. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day can help you control the amount of bacteria along your gum line, but if you notice signs of troubled gums (i.e., redness, swelling, and bleeding), then visit your Park Ridge implant dentists as soon as possible.

Learn More from Your Park Ridge Implant Dentists

To learn more about protecting your smile from malicious oral bacteria, schedule an appointment with your Park Ridge implant dentists by calling Loukas General Dentistry at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.