Oral Hygiene Instruction

Oral Care Is Preventive Care

How Important Is It to Remove Plaque Each Day?

Daily plaque control is key to a healthy smile. The problem is most people are not very effective or consistent with removing plaque each day. Bacterial plaque is the #1 cause of periodontal gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and is the major cause of adult tooth loss which affects three out of every four adults.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for plaque. Plaque constantly forms on the teeth, so it must constantly be removed and killed. The science of plaque growth and its effect on both teeth and periodontal health is a growing field. The days of blaming a patient for not brushing or eating too much sugar are over. The mouth has a complex chemistry. Some of this chemistry the patient can control, some they can not.

There is no one magic key to oral health that fits all patients. Dr. McOmie is at the forefront in the field of cardiology. Dr. McOmie strives to explain to the patient their own specific need. Decay and periodontal disease are both caused by bacteria, but they act in different ways. Some patients have deeper grooves or poorly formed enamel. Some patients have poor salivary flow or highly mineralized saliva. All of these things must be considered to tailor an oral hygiene plan that works for each patient.