Philips HX2575/02 User Manual page 4

ENGLISH
6
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 develop-
ment 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.