How does poor oral hygiene contribute to plaque build-up and bacteria?

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I went through your query and understood your concern.

Brushing your teeth is an important and useful method of maintaining oral hygiene. It helps to remove food particles that are sticking to your teeth. The food particles can stick to the deep grooves and fissures, mainly on your posterior teeth. Brushing helps to remove those food particles. You should follow the correct brushing method, too. For the front teeth, you should follow the vertical brushing technique. For the back teeth, you should follow the horizontal brushing technique.

Flossing helps to remove the food particles and other debris from between two teeth. If there is not enough spacing between the teeth, it is difficult to remove the debris with brushing alone. Flossing helps in such cases. When the food particles accumulate, they mix with saliva, forming the growth of bacteria on the tooth and gums, and will lead to tooth decay and gum infections.

Plaque is a sticky material that forms on and around the tooth when food debris mixes with saliva. It contains bacteria. Proper oral hygiene methods like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwashes can prevent the accumulation of plaque. Negligence can lead to the formation of calculus (tartar), which thickens plaque and forms tartar. Routine dental checkups help to diagnose tooth decay (caries) and gum infection in the early stages.

Bacteria from tooth decay, gum infection, etc., can enter the systemic circulation and cause systemic illness. Oral bacteria can also cause heart problems, pulmonary diseases (lung infections), and even stroke.

Please maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist at regular intervals.

I hope this helps.