The Facts About Plaque

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As children, we learn hygiene habits as something that you “just do, because it needs to be done because I said so.” However, as adults, we may have many dental questions that have gone unanswered. Here are some frequently asked questions about dental health.

I have a cavity. What happened?
The more you know about cavities, the better able you are to combat them in the future. First, let’s look at what causes cavities in the first place. You have bacteria in your mouth, which feed off of the sugars left in food particles. The bacteria create an acidic byproduct which eats away at the enamel of your teeth. This erosion eventually forms a hole, which is called a cavity.

What is plaque?
Have you noticed a sticky film that forms on your teeth? This is called plaque. It is actually made of the bacteria that live in your mouth. Remove plaque every day by brushing and flossing your teeth. Floss once a day for 2-3 minutes; brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time. That’s 6-7 minutes of care that will save you a lot of hassle later.

For more information, call Fisher Distinctive Dentistry in Orchard, WA, at 360-876-0445. Drs. Fisher and Bergevin and our team are happy to help keep your smile healthy and your teeth strong. To get your best smile, give us a call today!