Gums & Gum Disease: Frequently Asked Questions

The thin layer of bacteria, biofilm, that coats your teeth and gums (particularly when you wake up in the morning) is a normal occurrence. Even if you brush, floss and rinse with a mouthwash the biofilm can still develop. If you don’t remove the biofilm regularly, it can build and develop into dental plaque³. 

Dental plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods and produce acids. Over time, these acids wear down tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth⁴.

A person with super-solid home dental care, who brushes, flosses, and swishes daily, can control and minimise the build-up of dental plaque⁴.