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2pm - 5pm
In an emergency please
call 01670 712100
Brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep your mouth healthy
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What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky mixture of carbohydrates (sugars), bacteria and food debris which builds up insidiously on teeth. The bacteria in the plaque then ferment the sugars, this generates small amounts of acids and it is this which causes decay. In addition, the presence of plaque around the gum margins causes an inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. Over a long period, gingivitis will slowly destroy the gum tissue and inevitably, loss of teeth due to either infection or loosening. For these two reasons, dentists recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. For most people, this means twice a year concurrent with checkups.
If plaque is allowed to lie on the teeth for more than a few days, it starts to crystallise into a hard substance called tartar, or calculus. Calculus cannot easily be removed with a toothbrush and must be removed by a dentist or Hygienist with suitable instruments. Calculus is always covered with a thin layer of plaque and therefore must also be removed regularly.