Dental care

Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes after eating. If teeth are not cleaned well each day, plaque will lead to tooth decay or gum disease. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become:
Infected
Swollen
Tender

Problems

Cavities are holes that damage the structure of teeth.
Gingivitis is swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums,
Periodontitis is the destruction of the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, often leading to tooth loss. Bad breath (halitosis).
Abscesses, pain, inability to use your teeth.
Other health problems outside the mouth, ranging from preterm labor to heart disease.