Daily Care’s Role in Long-term Dental Health

By: Carly Fan

“I brush every day, but why do I still have gum disease? Should I be using a soft or hard toothbrush, and do I really need to get implants if I’ve had an extraction?”

Good oral health is not just about brushing twice a day, it’s about understanding how each aspect of daily care, from toothbrush selection to timely tooth replacement, plays a role in preventing long-term dental problems like periodontal (gum) disease. 

Plaque Buildup and Its Dangers

Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating. If not regularly removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), which cannot be removed with at-home tools and requires professional cleaning (American Dental Association [ADA], 2023). Plaque buildup irritates the gums, triggering inflammation — the first stage of periodontal disease, and this is what could progress to bone loss and tooth mobility if untreated (Kinane et al., 2017).

Toothbrush Hardness: Soft vs. Hard

Patients often assume that hard-bristled toothbrushes clean better because they feel more abrasive, but dental experts overwhelmingly recommend soft-bristled brushes. Hard brushes can wear down tooth enamel and irritate or damage the gums, potentially leading to gum recession (ADA, 2023). Soft bristles, combined with proper brushing technique, are sufficient to remove plaque without harming delicate gum tissues. For patients with gum disease or sensitive teeth, ultra-soft brushes or electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors can provide even gentler, more effective care (Van der Weijden & Slot, 2015).

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters

After tooth extractions, many patients assume they can leave the gap alone, but failing to replace missing teeth can have serious consequences. Without a tooth to support, the surrounding bone in the jaw begins to resorb, or shrink, leading to loss of bone volume and changes in facial structure (Jung et al., 2012). Neighboring teeth may drift or tip into the empty space, causing bite misalignment and increasing the risk of gum disease and further tooth loss.

Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they integrate with the jawbone, as it also keeps bone density and providing stable, long-lasting function. They help maintain proper chewing forces and prevent the cascade of oral health problems that can result from missing teeth.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

The common thread across these topics, like plaque control, gentle brushing, and tooth replacement, is periodontal disease prevention. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and is linked to systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease (Tonetti & Jepsen, 2013). This can be helped by going to dental visits every 6 months at least as well as brushing teeth 2 times a day, using soft, non-damaging toothbrushes, and also eplacing missing teeth promptly to maintain oral structure

References

American Dental Association. (2023). Toothbrushing and plaque control. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushing

Jung, R. E., Zembic, A., Pjetursson, B. E., Zwahlen, M., & Thoma, D. S. (2012). Systematic review of the survival rate and the incidence of biological, technical, and aesthetic complications of single crowns on implants reported in longitudinal studies with a mean follow-up of 5 years. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 23(2), 2–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02547.x

Kinane, D. F., Stathopoulou, P. G., & Papapanou, P. N. (2017). Periodontal diseases. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 3, Article 17038. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2017.38

Tonetti, M. S., & Jepsen, S. (2013). Clinical efficacy of periodontal therapy as measured by clinical attachment gain and probing depth reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(S14), S106–S112. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12041

Van der Weijden, G. A., & Slot, D. E. (2015). Efficacy of homecare regimens for mechanical plaque removal in managing gingivitis: A meta-review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 42(S16), S77–S91. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12359