plaque

Got Fluoride?

As we age, wrinkles and graying hair become evident. For adults, there's no reversing the aging process. But happily, a lifetime of fluoride use can help reverse the demineralizing process! Bacterial plaque continually forms on teeth, producing acids that initiate the process of decay. That's DE-mineralization. Fluoride helps add back [...]

The Basics of Flossing

One of the simplest preventive hygiene exercises you can do for yourself is something you've heard of before. It bears repeating: floss. Every 24 hours, bacteria contribute to a new batch of plaque. Brushing, no matter how well or how long, won't get all the "bugs," especially between teeth and [...]

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

News to Make a Mouth Water… A thick, juicy prime rib of beef surrounded by a baked potato—all the trimmings—asparagus with drawn butter, fresh apple cobbler a la mode. Got your mouth watering? Good. Your salivary glands have been stimulated. And saliva's a whole lot more important to you than [...]

Scaling and Root Planing

What is Scaling and Root Planing? When You Need A Deep Cleaning... If you have periodontal (gum) problems, you'll probably become familiar with one of the primary therapies to treat gum disease: scaling and root planing. We also may recommend the procedure if it's been a while since your last [...]

Alcohol and Your Teeth

What are the Effects on Teeth? Dentally speaking, is drinking alcohol a good thing or a bad thing for your teeth and gums? As with everything alcohol-related, there are positives and negatives. On the one hand, a mixer-free shot of vodka is probably less hazardous than caramel candies, which coat [...]

Mouthwash FAQs

Common Questions About Mouthwash Whether it's to mask bad breath, fight cavities, or prevent the buildup of plaque, the sticky material that contains germs and can lead to oral diseases, mouthwash serves a variety of purposes. Or so we think. Though they may leave your mouth with a clean, fresh [...]

Facts on Flossing

Flosses and picks Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the [...]

Pregnancy and Dental Care

FAQs about Dental Care During Pregnancy How does pregnancy affect my oral health? It's a myth that a mother's teeth lose calcium during pregnancy, but you may experience some changes in your oral health. A surge in the hormones estrogen and progesterone correlates to an increase in plaque on your [...]