Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within minutes of eating. If teeth are not cleaned every day, plaque will lead to tooth decay or gum disease. If you don't remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that gets trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. The bacteria and toxins they produce cause the gums to:

Get infected
Become inflamed
Have greater sensitivity
By taking proper care of your teeth and gums, you can help prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). You should also teach children how to brush and floss from an early age to help protect their teeth.

Plaque and tartar can lead to a variety of problems:

Dental cavities are holes that damage the structure of the teeth.
Gingivitis is swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums.
Periodontitis is the destruction of the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, often leading to tooth loss.
Bad breath (halitosis).
Abscesses, pain, inability to use teeth.
Other health problems outside of the mouth, from preterm labor to heart disease.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TEETH

Healthy teeth are clean and have no cavities. Healthy gums are pink and firm, and they don't bleed. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, follow these steps:

Floss at least once a day. It is best to do it before brushing your teeth. Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth and on your gums.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least 2 minutes each time.
Use toothpaste (toothpaste) that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner. A worn toothbrush is not as effective in cleaning your teeth. If you use an electric toothbrush, change the heads for 3-4 months in the same way.
Eat a healthy diet. You are less likely to get gum disease if you eat healthy foods.
Avoid sweets and sweetened drinks. Eating and drinking a lot of sweet things increases your risk of tooth decay. If you decide to eat or drink sweet things, brush your teeth after eating them.
Do not smoke. Smokers have more tooth and gum problems than non-smokers.
Keep dentures, retainers, and other appliances clean. This includes brushing them regularly. You may also need to soak them in a cleaning solution.
Schedule visits to your dentist regularly. Many dentists recommend having a professional dental cleaning every 6 months for optimal oral health. You may need to see the dentist every 3 to 4 months if you have gum problems.
Regular teeth cleaning by the dentist removes plaque that can build up, even with careful brushing and flossing. This is very important to reach areas that are difficult for you to reach. Professional cleaning includes scraping and polishing. This procedure involves the use of instruments to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. Routine exams may include dental x-rays. Problems can be found early by your dentist so they don't become more serious and costly to fix.