Glossary
...Gingivitis - A minor disease of the gums caused by plaque...

Brushing
...You should brush all surfaces of your teeth - front, back, top, and between other teeth, rocking the brush back and forth gently to remove any plaque growing under the gum...

Flossing
...Floss removes plaque and debris that stick to your teeth and gums...

Bad Breath (halitosis)
...Bacterial plaque and food debris also can accumulate on the back of the tongue...

Cavities and Tooth Decay
...Left inside your mouth from non-brushing and flossing, these materials break down quickly, allowing bacteria to do their dirty work in the form of a harmful, colorless sticky substance called plaque...

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
...In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping...

Dentures
...Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained...

Crowns and Bridges
...It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration...