Tag Archives | plaque

Dentist Tools

Scaling and Root Planing

When Elbow Grease Counts Most periodontal patients in our practice become very familiar with the two primary therapies we rely on to treat gum disease: scaling and root planing. Sounds a little disagreeable, yes. But scaling and root planing are the beginning of the end of periodontal problems. The treatment is tried and true, with […]

Mixed Drinks

Alcohol and Your 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 one hand, a mixer-free shot of vodka is probably less hazardous than caramel candies, which coat the teeth with a sticky goo that practically begs for cavities. […]

Mouthwash

Mouthwash FAQs

19Whether 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, mouthwashes serve a variety of purposes. Or so we think. Though they may leave your mouth with a clean, fresh taste, some washes can be harmful, concealing bad breath […]

Proper Flossing

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 tops and sides of your […]

Pregnant Woman

Pregnancy and Oral Health

How does pregnancy affect my oral health? It’s a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth, but you may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary change is a surge in hormones–particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone– which is linked to an increase in the amount of plaque […]