Did you know your mouth is believed to be home to more than 300 types of bacteria? Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Actually, though, this is perfectly normal, with only a small percentage of that bacteria able to cause gum disease or tooth decay.
But even a modest amount of bacteria can still be enough to irritate your gums when allowed to build-up and form into plaque. What’s more, if left unchecked, it can lead to a range of problems – from bleeding gums or swollen gums due to gingivitis, to more serious issues like periodontitis and even tooth loss.
PLAQUE BACTERIA AND GUM DISEASE
Plaque bacteria is one of the most common causes of gum disease. The bacteria uses the sugars and carbohydrates in food to produce acids that can irritate your gums and over time can dissolve tooth enamel, eventually resulting in cavities. The toxins bacteria releases may also inflame and damage the surrounding gum tissue, prompting your body to send more blood to the affected area. This, in turn, can cause your gums to bleed when you brush.
If not removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque bacteria may also eventually harden into tartar. This is a crusty substance that collects around the gum line and clings tightly to your teeth, making it more difficult to keep them clean.
Meanwhile, the presence of bacteria may cause your gums to start coming away from your teeth, leaving small spaces or ‘pockets’ where even more plaque can build up. Over time, these pockets may deepen, eventually weakening the bones and tissues that support and protect your teeth.
HOW CORSODYL TOOTHPASTE CAN HELP REMOVE PLAQUE BACTERIA
Used twice daily, Corsodyl Toothpaste is 4x more effective* than a regular toothpaste at removing the build-up of plaque bacteria, helping to keep gums healthy and teeth strong. It contains refined sodium bicarbonate particles that penetrate the plaque layer to loosen its grip on your teeth and send bacteria swilling away down the plughole.
OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT THE BUILD-UP OF PLAQUE BACTERIA
It is important to attend regular dental check-ups to help check the amount of plaque bacteria in your mouth and treat any problems before they get worse. You should also talk to your dentist as soon as possible if you experience any signs of gum disease, such as seeing blood when brushing or flossing.
Alongside regular brushing, there are some other simple steps you can take in your own oral care routine to help limit the amount of plaque bacteria that accumulates around your teeth and gums – and help put the brakes on your journey of gum disease.
- Floss or use interdental brushes to get rid of plaque stuck in hard to reach areas, like in between your teeth.
- Use a small-headed manual or electric toothbrush with soft round bristles, and don’t forget to clean around the gum line.
- Rinse with a mouthwash such as Corsodyl Treatment Mouthwash which inhibits the formation of dental plaque.
*Removes more plaque than a regular toothpaste after a professional clean and twice daily brushing. Excludes Corsodyl Toothpaste Whitening variant.
Corsodyl Mint & Original Mouthwash, Corsodyl 0.2% Mouthwash (Alcohol Free), Corsodyl Spray and Corsodyl 1% w/w Dental Gel are medicines containing chlorhexidine digluconate for the treatment of early signs of gum disease. Always read the label. If left untreated gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss. Corsodyl toothpaste is a medical device. Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.