Healthy teeth are to be
treasured, which is
logical, for we want
them to last a lifetime.
As plaque is the major
cause of tooth decay,
proper dental care is
essential. By brushing
carefully every day you
will remove plaque and
keep your teeth and
gums healthy longer
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky layer on our teeth. It forms
mainly on hard-to-reach areas such as interdental
spaces and along the gum line. Plaque mainly
consists of bacteria that turn the sugars in our food
into harmful acids. Due to its yellowy white colour,
plaque is hard to detect on the teeth. Fortunately, as
long as the plaque is still soft, it can easily be
removed by means of careful and correct brushing.
What are the consequences
of plaque?
The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel on our
teeth and molars, which may lead to the
development of cavities. The bacteria produce
toxins which may cause the gums to become
inflamed (gingivitis). Inflamed gums are often red
and swollen and may start bleeding during brushing
or eating. Moreover, the inflammation may spread
from the gum line to the jaw bone beneath, which
may eventually cause the teeth and molars to fall
out. If plaque is not removed daily, it may calcify
into tartar adhering strongly to the teeth. Tartar, in
its turn, provides an excellent platform for new
plaque growth, thus further increasing the risk of
caries and inflammation.
6 ENGLISH
Taking optimal care of your teeth
