Philips HX2550/02 User Manual page 3

Taking optimal care of your teeth
Healthy teeth are to
be treasured, which is
logical, for we want
them to last a
lifetime.As plaque is
the major cause of
tooth decay, proper
dental care is
essential. By brushing
carefully every day
you will remove
plaque and keep
your teeth and gums
healthy longer.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky layer on
our teeth. It forms mainly on
hard-to-reach areas such as
interdental spaces and along the
gum line. Plaque mainly consists
of bacteria that turn the sugars in
our food into harmful acids. Due
to its yellowy white colour,
plaque is hard to detect on the
teeth. Fortunately, as long as the
plaque is still soft, it can easily be
removed by means of careful and
correct brushing.
What are the
consequences of plaque?
The acids in plaque dissolve the
enamel on our teeth and molars,
which may lead to the
ENGLISH
development of cavities.
The bacteria produce toxins
which may cause the gums to
become inflamed (gingivitis).
Inflamed gums are often red and
swollen and may start bleeding
during brushing or eating.
Moreover, the inflammation may
spread from the gum line to the
jaw bone beneath, which may
eventually cause the teeth and
molars to fall out. If plaque is not
removed daily, it may calcify into
tartar adhering strongly to the
teeth.Tartar, in its turn, provides
an excellent platform for new
plaque growth, thus further
increasing the risk of caries and
inflammation.
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