How Bacteria Gets Beneath Your Gum Line

Plaque and bacteria buildup can get beneath the gum line in a few different ways. While bacteria in the mouth is normal, when the numbers spike, it can cause a lot of problems for your mouth.

This is why proper oral hygiene and regular office visits are so important. While you can clean just below the gum line at home, to get deep under the gum line, where bacteria love to hide, you will need to come into our office for a cleaning.

Ways That Bacteria Gets Under the Gums

If you fail to brush your teeth regularly, plague and bacteria will begin to build up on the outside of the teeth as well as in between them and under the gum line. By brushing and flossing your teeth, you are able to remove large portions of plaque before it can become a problem. Yet, this is only possible if you are brushing the right way. If you do not brush properly, you can actually help push the plaque below the gum line, rather than removing it.

When you brush improperly, you loosen up the bacteria and slide it down on top the gums or in-between your teeth. If you are not flossing regularly, or properly, this bacterium finds a permanent home that it can continue to multiply safely. At this point, it is going to work its way down, below your gum line, and there isn’t much you are going to be able to do about it.

By coming to see us for regular cleanings, you will greatly reduce the likelihood that the bacteria get deep into your gum line. This also gives us the chance to catch any potential problems and correct them before they turn into larger problems.

Plaque and other oral bacteria can lead to several oral diseases and health complications if you are not careful. By understanding how bacteria works, learning the proper way to brush and floss, and coming in to see us for regular cleanings, you are giving yourself the best shot at long-term, good oral health.