

What exactly is plaque?
We've all heard about dental plaque and generally know what it is, but not many know about its causes and effects and how it is different from tartar. What is plaque? Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. Believe it or not, everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly growing in our mouths and can be hard to see with the naked eye. Plaque that is not removed from around the gum line can cause inf


5 tips to keep you smiling this summer!
* No Copyright Infringement Is Intended 1) Stick to your routine When summer comes around, all our routines established through the year seem to fly out the window. It happens to everyone of us. Vacations, later bedtime hours, the summer heat put together make for the lack of routine. Although summer is a time for fun, one important routine that cannot afford to be compromised is your oral hygiene routine! No matter the time of the year, sticking to a regimented schedule can


Wisdom Teeth
* No Copyright Infringement Is Intended Most people have been told to get their wisdom teeth taken out, and often times in certain cultures, it almost seems like it is a right of passage into adulthood! But why are most people advised to get their wisdom teeth removed? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually do not push through the gums until people are in their late teens, twenties or even older. As such, wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to develop and push


Oral Health and Smoking
Smoking can have major and detrimental effects on the health of your teeth, gums, mouth and throat. Some commonly seen problems caused by smoking include the staining of teeth and bad breath. Although these problems may be annoying and unpleasant, they are not a threat to health. However, smoking may contribute to unseen and far more serious conditions such as: - Gum disease that results in tooth loss - Increased risk of tooth decay - Leukoplakia: White patches in the mouth t


Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums. More often than not, it is caused by plaque, a thick and sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the surface of teeth. When not removed, plaque can harden to become calculus, also known as tartar. Plaque and calculus are caused by poor oral hygiene. In the early stages of gum disease, bacteria in plaque and calculus can damage the gums and cause gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis ca


Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common problem and can be embarrassing at times. But fear not, it can definitely be overcomed. * No Copyright Infringement Is Intended Bad breath can be caused by hormonal fluctuations which lead to changes in the saliva and increases the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Because of this, women are more likely to have bad breath just before a period. Some other causes of bad breath are retained food particles, gum diseases, chronic sinus problems


Sealants
Fissures are the grooves that naturally occur on the biting surfaces of teeth. All molars and premolars have fissures, occasionally they also can occur on canines and front teeth. * No Copyright Infringement Is Intended If the fissures are deep and narrow, tooth bristles cannot fit inside to clean out the food and plaque. The plaque acid will then eat into the tooth enamel and cause decay. * No Copyright Infringement Is Intended Not all fissures are prone to decay. Only the d