Toothbrush and floss can stop periodontal disease Published Sept. 24, 2009 By Virginia Bennett 375th Dental Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Imagine for a moment that you are in a jungle. It's warm and moist and there is plenty to eat. It is also crawling with hundreds of diverse species of living beings. Many are harmless; some are beneficial to the environment, while others are predatory. These predators attack their immediate environment and wreak havoc far and wide. To stop these wild beasts, you need weapons. What should you grab? Try a toothbrush and floss. OK, we're not talking about the Amazon Rain Forest, we're talking about your mouth, but it really is a jungle in there. More than 500 species of bacterial microorganisms have been identified in the mouth. Of these bacterial species, approximately 15 have been implicated in playing a role in periodontal disease. The chances of getting periodontal disease depends on a complex interplay between these bacteria, the body's response mechanism and environmental factors, such as smoking. If oral hygiene is inadequate and food debris is left behind on the teeth, deposits called plaque will build up on teeth. It is the bacteria in this plaque that cause the gums to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. Persistently inadequate oral hygiene will eventually lead to the gums separating from the teeth forming deepened pockets. These deepened pockets are difficult to keep clean, thus more and more destructive plaque "infects" them. Over time, tissue and jaw bone that surrounds the teeth are destroyed and the teeth loosen. To stop this process, it is necessary to remove this plaque from the teeth and keep it off. Help of dental professionals may be needed who can use procedures such as dental prophylaxis or scaling and root planning. Someday, researches may discover a vaccine to eliminate harmful bacteria from the mouth. Until then, arm yourself with a toothbrush, floss and regular dental visits.