Your mouth is a busy
place. Bacteria - tiny colonies of living organisms are constantly on the move
on your teeth, gums, lips and tongue.
Having bacteria in your mouth is a normal thing. While some of the
bacteria can be harmful, most are not and some are even helpful.
Certain types of bacteria, however, can attach themselves to hard
surfaces like the enamel that covers your teeth. If they're not removed, they
multiply and grow in number until a colony forms. More bacteria of different
types attach to the colony already growing on the tooth enamel. Proteins that
are present in your saliva (spit) also mix in and the bacteria colony becomes a
whitish film on the tooth. This film is called plaque, and it's what causes
cavities.
Timothy A. Smith, DDS
609-T East Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
609-T East Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
