Your Oral Health Begins With Plaque Control.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a yellowish sticky film that adheres to the teeth. Plaque contains many kinds of bacteria and decomposed food particles. Plaque is the major contributor to dental diseases: tooth decay and gum disease. 

What is tooth decay?

Foods we eat contain particles of sugar that allows the bacteria in plaque to form acids. These acids easily dissolve tooth enamel, which become tooth decay.

What is gum disease?

Support structures include bones and fibers that hold your gum against the teeth. Acids that are formed in plaque besides causing tooth decay are toxic to the gum tissue. When these toxins are not removed, gum tissue becomes inflamed and puffy, then gum disease will develop. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodonitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It is reversible because its does not involve bone destruction. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease, which involves bone destruction and this is non-reversible. The longer that periodontitis is left untreated, the more severe it will become and eventually will lead to tooth/teeth loss.

How can I prevent dental diseases?

Although genetics may contribute to dental diseases, practice of good plaque control is essential. Brushing and flossing, and following recommended preventive dental care with good nutrition habits greatly reduce the chance of dental disease. 

Brushing technique:

Place the toothbrush at 45 degree where the teeth and gum meet, then wiggly the brush back-and-forth in a slow short motion. Brush inside of the front teeth by placing the toothbrush vertical and brushing 1-2 teeth at-a-time.

You should brush your tongue gently to remove bacteria that has settled on the tongue surface.

Flossing Technique:

Hold one end of approx. 12” floss with your thumb and index finger or index finger and middle finger. Gently slide the floss beneath the gums (where you feel the resistance). Move floss up and down several times, then curve the floss around the adjacent tooth and repeat the same process. Use a clean section of the floss as you move the floss along all adjacent tooth surfaces.

Oral Hygiene Aids:

Many oral hygiene aids can serve as additional tools in plaque control. Here are some examples:

• Power toothbrush/Power floss: recommended for someone who has difficulty in plaque removal.
• Stimulator (rubber tip): a gum stimulator and helps remove plaque around the gum margin. 
• Interdental Brush (Proxibrushes): helps remove plaque and food particles in-between teeth and around orthodontic brackets (braces).
• Oral irrigator (water pik): removes loose particles and interferes with toxin (acid) formation.
• Oral Rinse (Antiseptic/Fluoride): reduces gingivitis, decay and/or tooth sensitivity. 

Nutrition:

Balanced diets are also important for a healthy mouth. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Eat as little sugary/sticky foods as possible. Brushing right after eating sweets will also help to reduce the formation of acids in your mouth. 

Systemic Disease

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