Plaque can appear in any mouth – even yours – no matter how meticulous you try to be with daily brushing and flossing. Because of that, it is essential to visit the Love Your Smile dentist in Kelowna twice a year, for regular cleanings and checkups.
If your teeth have deep grooves, watch out. If you have a receding gum line, watch out. If you have a sweet tooth, watch out.
The plaque process goes something like this:
Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth, and always will. Bacteria will try to colonize on the smooth surfaces of your teeth. At first, it will be soft enough to be removed with a fingernail. After 48 hours, it will start to harden. Give it 10 days and it will become that substance most difficult to remove, tartar. (See picture.)
This bacteria will feed on sugars and produce acid that eats away the tissues of the tooth and lead to cavities. Cavities originate on the surface and spread on and through the tooth. The best way to deal with plaque is to have a consistent removal process – that is, daily brushing and flossing after eating and even sleeping.
Given enough time, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease. If you’re seeing us twice a year we’ll catch it in its early stages, when treatment is easiest. But regular brushing and flossing is usually enough to head it off entirely. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we also offer general dentistry. Make an appointment with us today.
Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:
250-860-8900
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7
