Oral hygiene is a part of daily life that people should pay attention to. If time is taken each day, it can prevent many negative effects on the health of the mouth and body. People learn the negative effects of not brushing their teeth throughout their lives. But do they really know all the effects that not brushing can actually have? Even if the goal is simply to have whiter teeth, people need to be aware of the repercussions of not having strong oral hygiene diets and practices. If the average person fails to keep track of what's happening in their mouth, the bacteria that forms and builds up can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart problems. And a little prevention can go a long way. The bacteria that causes periodontal disease gather and hide in the corners of the mouth and begin to feed on substances in the mouth. “Diet causes the formation of plaque, which is a gummy film that covers the teeth. The plaque will then harden and form tartar. Tartar and other toxic byproducts, when left uncontrolled, can lead to much more serious gum inflammation and infection problems. In more severe cases, the body's reaction could lead to a weakening of the tooth root structure and inevitably require replacement with a dental prosthesis. (Vinocur) Quoting Cherae Farmer-Dixon, DDS, community dental education project director at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, "We don't see the dentist unless our teeth bother us." Johnson continues: “The big problem with the wait-until-it-hurts plan is that periodontal or gum disease – the leading cause of tooth loss – is often painless in its early form. The moment it hurts, you're in the danger zone. Even more frightening, recent studies have linked this bacterial infection to cases of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and...... middle of paper ...... Care. " Prevention 42.7 (1990): 93-95. Academic Research Premier. Web. April 2, 2014 Healthwise Incorporated “Tooth Decay Topic Overview.” WebMD.com. WebMD, LLC. July 29, 2011. Web. March 17, 2014. Johnson , Melissa Ewey. “Prevention 101.” Essence (Time Inc.) 36.1 (2005: 114). Kane, Kristin. “Brush Up On The Perfect Smile.” .S., L. “Test your dental intelligence”.: 39. Academic Search Premier Web. March 18, 2014. Vinocur, BA “How to keep your teeth.” Saturday Evening Post 255.5 (1983): 70-111. and gums." Curriculum Review 50.1 (2010): 9. Academic Search Premier. Web. March 18, 2014. “No brushing after meals.” Good Housekeeping 247.3 (2008): 40. Academic Search Premier. Web. March 18. 2014.