What Causes Plaque on Teeth?

What Causes Plaque on Teeth?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. It develops when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from the food you eat, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. Left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar,...

Receding Gum Lines 101

Understand Why Gums Recede Receding gum lines happen when gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can lead to sensitivity, a higher risk of decay on the root surface, and cosmetic concerns. Gum recession is common, but it is...

Teeth Sensitivity

How Teeth Become Sensitive Teeth sensitivity is a sharp, sudden discomfort that happens when a tooth reacts to something hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or even brushing. It is usually caused by exposed dentin or an irritated tooth nerve, and it can range from mild and...

Reverse Tooth Decay

How to Reverse Tooth Decay In its earliest stage, tooth decay can sometimes be reversed by strengthening the enamel before a cavity fully forms. This process is called remineralization. Once decay has progressed into a true cavity (a hole in the tooth), it cannot be...

Overview of Canker Sores

An In Depth Look at Canker Sores Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth, often on the cheeks, lips, tongue, or soft palate. They are not contagious, but they can make eating, drinking, and speaking uncomfortable....