What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.

How to Get Rid of Plaque

To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.

Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.

Above article from: Crest.com

Sheboygan Dental Care
Robert W. Schoenenberger, DDS
2202 Indiana Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 452-8042
DentistSheboygan.com

Preventive Dentistry

The Number One Cause of Tooth Loss
Many people think that most teeth are lost because of decay. But the main reason is gum disease. Sometimes there are no pain or symptoms right up to the point of losing your teeth. Symptoms of bleeding gums during brushing or flossing and teeth that are loose or shift mean you need to contact us immediately so we can take care of this problem in its earliest stages. In advanced stages, gum surgery is usually needed. But prior to that point, there are nonsurgical methods that combat the problem very effectively.


Gum Disease Can Contribute to Serious Health Problems
The American Dental Association has provided statistics that show a startling 80% of the adult American population has gum (periodontal) disease at some stage. This is a shocking percentage that dentists consider to be an epidemic. Medical research has also identified a link between gum infection and the life-threatening conditions of stroke, diabetes, respiratory afflictions, and heart disease. Dentists now regard gum disease as a much more serious problem than losing your teeth.

The bacteria of periodontal disease does not just remain in the gums. It travels throughout the bloodstream and infects other vital organs. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.”


Good News in Reversing the Problem
Once the gum infection reaches a critical level, surgery is the solution to save your teeth. With infections in a lesser stage, nonsurgical methods together with improved dental hygiene can produce very good results. Both approaches are generally covered through most dental insurance plans.

It’s Important to Have All Your Teeth
Even just one missing tooth can develop into other problems that you will want to avoid. Chewing often becomes difficult, and food choices may change from healthier foods that require more chewing to softer foods that are less nutritious but easier to chew. These types of foods often result in weight gain. And chewing with missing teeth results in obtaining fewer nutrients from any type of food you eat.

The lack of a full set of teeth may not only be embarrassing in appearance, but also when speaking. Certain words may become slurred or difficult for others to understand. Your facial appearance may change, making you look older than your age as your face takes on a sunken look.

We offer the best solution to the problems of missing teeth with dental implants. They are a natural-looking, fully functioning replacement for as many teeth as are missing. No one will be able to tell they are not your natural teeth, and you will be pleased how they help to remedy all the problems associated with missing teeth.

Sheboygan Dental Care
Robert W. Schoenenberger, DDS
2202 Indiana Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 452-8042
DentistSheboygan.com