Sounds funny, doesn't it?  After all, you have had your mouth your whole life.  But it is good to know how your mouth works is you can take care of it better.  It is also helpful to know how gum disease starts so that you can slow down or even stop the process.  If you can manage this, your teeth, gums and jawbone will be healthier.  And nothing looks and feel quite like clean, white teeth, and a bright, wholesome smile.

A Lesson In Anatomy

To understand your mouth better, let's go back to basics. Compare your teeth to a house, with your gums and jawbone as the foundation.  To keep your house in good condition, your foundation has to be solid.  Let's look a little deeper.

A Simple Equation

Dentists believe bacteria in plaque cause gum disease.  But other things, like stress, smoking, illness, poor nutrition, and changing hormone levels, may contribute to gum disease.

Plaque

Plaque is a bacterial film found above and below and gumline.  Usually invisible, it sometimes looks white or yellow.  Plaque can be removed with good self-care & controlled with 6 month cleanings.

Calculus - Plaque Hardened

Calculus is a destructive yellow or brown crust that can only be removed by a professional.  Calculus, or tartar, may form after only a few days if you do not remove plaque every day.