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Your London dentist is very well trained at recognizing and treating dental diseases. The most common dental diseases are dental caries and gum disease(s). These occur due to build-up of oral bacteria in the mouth that is not regularly and properly removed using good oral hygiene practices. When dental caries occurs, it is commonly due to bacteria and plaque that build-up on the tooth surfaces and creates acids after sugar is introduced from the diet. The result is the demineralization of the tooth surface enamel and the beginning of dental caries. When these acids are formed in the mouth, it becomes difficult for the saliva to maintain its pH level, which also rapidly becomes acidic allowing for further demineralization of the teeth surfaces. After about an hour your saliva will attempt to resupply minerals to your teeth. However, if you keep introducing sugars from your diet, this does not occur and the saliva will remain acidic, and more tooth minerals are lost. Gum disease (gingivitis) occurs when bacteria and dental plaque create inflammation in the gum tissue which overwhelms the body’s defence mechanisms. Bleeding gums are a tell tale sign of gingivitis. If your teeth are not cleaned properly by you twice daily, and you do not visit your London dentist for regular checkups and professional teeth and gum cleanings, your gingivitis may go unnoticed until it is too late. If not properly treated, periodontal disease can result, which can lead to permanent oral bone loss. So, visit your London dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.