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FOR DENTISTS
Toothbrush

What is dental plaque?

Dental plaque is a major enemy in the quest for optimal oral health. It is a yellow, sticky substance that adheres to the surfaces of the teeth, gums and top of the tongue. It is mostly comprised of millions of bacteria and dead cells.



It is responsible for bad breath, gingivitis, gum disease and cavities. As a person eats, the bacteria in dental plaque eat and release toxins and acids that cause cavities and irritate gum tissue and the bone that hold teeth in place. Volatile sulphur compounds are also given off by the bacteria causing various degrees of bad breath(Halitosis).

After approximately two days of laying on the surfaces of teeth, plaque mineralizes, becoming a hardened substance called Tartar(Calculus). At this point, only a dental professional can remove the deposits. For this reason, it is very important to brush and floss daily. Removing this enemy before it hardens is of key importance.

The absolute best toothbrush on the market today for removing soft buildup and cleaning teeth is the Oral B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000. This brush is proven through independent study to be more effective at removing the germs that cause cavities than manual brushing. Of course, brushing alone will not remove all of the plaque on teeth. Flossing is equally as inportant, as well as, using approved dental products to clean the teeth. Germs and dental plaque also reside under the taste buds of the tongue. If it is not removed, it can lead to seriously bad breath. Gentile motion with a tongue scraper and gel will ensure the removal of the poor smelling germs.


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