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What is Plaque? Gainesville, GA
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Dental plaque is the most damaging substance found inside the mouth, and it requires a great deal of attention in order to prevent irreversible damage from occurring. If you can run your teeth over your tongue and feel a “fuzzy” film along your gum line, then you know exactly what plaque feels like. It is the sticky, white substance that comes off when you floss your teeth or even when you scrape the sides of your teeth with your fingernail. Plaque naturally develops on a daily basis, and it needs to be removed on a daily basis as well.

Dental plaque is a microbial film that develops inside the mouth as a result of eating and drinking anything other than water. Inside the mouth there are millions of bacteria that thrive off of the foods and beverages that you consume. As these bacteria come into contact with sugar and tiny particles left behind after a meal or a snack, they cause a chemical reaction to occur. As the bacteria work to break down left behind particles, they begin creating acids to assist them. These acids quickly go to work on the particles, yet when the particles have been taken care of they do not stop working. Acids are notorious for eating their way through anything that is in their path, and the acids that are created inside the mouth are no exception. As the acids continue, they will move on to your tooth enamel and gum tissues – causing cavities, gum disease, and other significant damage.

In order to stop the destruction caused by dental plaque, plaque must be removed from the teeth on a daily basis. Dental floss is the tool that was specifically designed to successfully remove plaque from the teeth. Your toothbrush was not designed for this, making dental floss the most important tool in your dental routine arsenal. Dental floss is able to slide underneath plaque and scrape it away from the teeth and from the tight spaces between the teeth.

If plaque is not removed on a daily basis, it will continue to develop in a thick layer that will harden into dental tartar. Tartar leaves the teeth in a constant assault against acids because it cannot be removed easily. In fact, the only way to remove tartar is through professional scraping at the dentist’s office. Therefore, if your least favorite part of a dental visit is the scraping of your teeth – then flossing at home on a daily basis is your best option!

Gainesville Dental Group cares about the health of your mouth. We encourage you to floss on a daily basis to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of dental plaque.

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group

Our Patient Reviews

Bev M.

Very happy with the staff at Gainesville Dental Group. The doctors are caring and experienced. I never am left in the waiting room. The hygienist always ask thorough questions and report to the doctor before the exam, saving me from having to repeat everything. Highly recommend.

Dennis C.

I came to Gainesville Dental Group with a crown that was in bad shape and painful. Dr. Vetter was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and went to great lengths to ensure the treatment to resolve the problem was in my best interest. He and assistant Sarah Riley were very professional yet personable. They worked together seamlessly in a manner that put me at ease and were very focused on fixing the tooth. Any physical discomfort was minimal and both Dr. Vetter and Sarah were encouraging and positive. A very good experience.

Sarah R.

I come to Gainesville Dental Group for my routine cleanings and absolutely love it! It’s very clean and I love how up to date they are with digital X-rays and photos of the teeth. I had to have a filling and they were able to point out on the screen where my cavity was on the X-ray. It’s much easier getting the work done when you have an understanding of what the doctor is doing! Dr. Vetter did my filling and the whole procedure was pain free! I can’t say enough good things about this group!

Linda H.

Dr. Gannon and Hannah were great. They talked me thru my procedure and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. The office was friendly and pleasant. My hubby and son have used them and liked them. I've found a new dentist! Thank You GDG.

Candace C.

Since I started my orthodontic treatment fifteen months ago, the staff at Gainesville Dental Group have been exceptional. Dr. Vetter is so kind and energetic and Kim puts you at ease while she works miracles! I am thrilled at my results and that they worked within my timeframe. I gladly recommend The Gainesville Dental Group for a personalized experience. Thank you!

Kayla B.

The whole office staff is amazing! Super friendly and helpful. Dr. Gannon has always been very nice and does great work! My husband sees Dr. Vetter and has only good things to say as well. I highly recommend this office!

Lorrie M.

This is by far the best dental group I have been to in a long time. The staff is wonderful and caring. From the front office to the Dentists are a class act. Very kind and explain step by step. High quality work. Don't plan on going anywhere else. My husband has had the same experience. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Tell them Lorrie sent you

Bruce Y.

Great dental visit! Went in for annual cleaning and x-rays. Donna did an awesome job and pointed out a potential issue which she brought up to the doctor who concurred. It was an excellent visit. Thank you to the "team" @ Gainesville Dental Group.

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Contact Us

1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville GA, 30501

Tel: (770) 297-0401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Our office is open for normal business hours and we are following all ADA/CDC guidelines to ensure staff and patient safety.