Dental plaque is a biofilm, or a mass of bacteria that grows on the teeth. At first, it is a sticky colorless deposit, but as it hardens and forms tartar (also known as calculus), it changes into a brown or pale yellow color. The rate at which plaque and tartar grows...
One of the main responsibilities of a dental hygienist, in addition to cleaning our patient’s teeth, is education. This part of our job may be even more important than the treatment that we provide during the office visits. This is because what a patient does at home...
During pregnancy it is common for gums to be swollen and bleed, but it is not normal. The signs to look for in periodontal disease (gum disease) are receding gums, tenderness during brushing/flossing, bleeding, and swelling. These are signs that should not be ignored...
Are your pearly whites not so white anymore? There are many options available to you to get your smile looking bright again. First let’s discuss why your smile isn’t what it used to be. Food and Drink-red wine, coffee and tea are some of the major causes of stain...
Are you ready to quit smoking? Have you tried quitting? Do you think about quitting? There are numerous health reasons why cessation of smoking is vital. When it comes to dentistry and smoking, periodontal disease is what lands at the top of the list. Periodontal...
