What Causes Plaque and Why Is It Harmful?

As common as the common cold, a cavity in your tooth is simply a defect created by the softening of enamel, the protective hard covering of your teeth. Sometimes they hurt. What causes the enamel to weaken is the combination of acids produced by bacteria that live in your mouth, food debris, especially from foods containing carbohydrates, and your own saliva to form plaque ─ the sticky, colourless film that clings to your teeth.

Plaque is constantly being produced and begins to build up on your teeth quickly, within 20 minutes after eating. You can actually feel the buildup when you run your tongue over your teeth and they feel ‘fuzzy,’ not smooth. Try it.

It’s the acids in plaque that dissolve tooth enamel and create cavities. We can provide the necessary treatment using the newest techniques and materials to prevent further deterioration and restore and optimize your oral health.  

Our process starts with a comprehensive examination and determination of treatment options.  Restorative procedures, such as fillings, can also be combined with cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as veneers, as part of your customized full-mouth rehabilitation, ensuring best form and function of your teeth.

We are happy to explain the following common treatments in fuller detail during your visit:

Fillings ─ dental amalgam; synthetic porcelain-like materials; resin composite made of ceramic and plastic compounds; inlays and onlays, fabricated in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth.

Crowns ─ a strong, natural-looking, porcelain “cap” placed over a tooth to enhance its appearance and durability, or to cover dental implants when replacing missing teeth. The crown is precision-crafted, so more than one appointment will be required to complete the amel, the protrestoration.

Bridges – a dental prosthesis used to replace a missing tooth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth.

Dentures – a removable set of artificial teeth.

Veneers ─ thin shells of tooth-coloured porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth to improve appearance and/or provide protection and strength your teeth’s surface.

Dental Implants – a titanium post, like a tooth root, anchored into the jawbone surgically to provide support for crowns or replacement teeth.