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Proper oral care is the key to a healthy, good looking smile and is important for the general well being of everyone. Taking care of ones teeth and gums is a smart investment, moreover the natural dentition will always be the best "instrument" to chew, speak, and smile. Prevention of oral pathologies is very important to avoid the manifestation and the progression of cavities and periodontal diseases (the periodontum is the supporting structures of the tooth and is composed of gum, alveolar bone, and legaments). Nowdays, in Italy, 99% of the population still suffers from caries or gingivitis thus to be considered social patologies. People today, don't become surprised when they find out of having a cavity or bleeding gums, this is so because they think that sooner or later we all must loose our teeth. The major problem is the low level of social education to a proper oral hygiene and nutrition. Infact maintaining good dental health is surprisingly simple, cheap, and everyone can keep his teeth for a lifetime. Caries and periodontitis are both caused by bacterial plaque: a thin, trasparent, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth even if when we are not eating. Some of the bacteria in the plaque use the sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel can break down and a cavity (carie) may form. Other bacteria, if not removed, build up and calcify forming a hard deposit called tartar or calculus, which may not be removed by brushing. The bacteria in the tartar produce toxins (poisons) that may cause infection of the gums and the underlying bone structure (periodontal disease). The inflamed bone slowly reabsorbs, causing the lose of tooth supporting function. Unless professionally treated, the supporting bone is destroyed and the teeth may become loose, fall out, or may need to be removed. It has been scientifically proved that many individual predisposing factors contribute to the development of caries and periodontitis such as heredity, oral anatomy, general health, and bad nutritional habits. - Periodontal Disease's Predisposing Factors
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