Don’t Be Pestered By Plaque

Our teeth are covered with a sticky film called plaque that accumulates four hours after eating a meal that contains sugar and carbohydrates. Plaque contains bacteria, and these bacteria can attack tooth enamel when left untreated. Plaque can also develop on tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth. If not removed daily by brushing and flossing, plaque can turn into tartar, which only our staff at Pellegrino Cosmetic and Family Dentistry will be able to remove.  

When you eat the bacteria in plaque causes the sugars in your food to produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. The bacteria in plaque cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly through maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine. Since plaque is constantly growing in your mouth, the best way to remove it and to prevent tartar buildup is to brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least twice daily.

If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.allentowndentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Pellegrino at Pellegrino Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Allentown, PA, call 610-530-7901.

Brush to Keep Your Teeth

You probably wonder why you need to brush your teeth every day. The reason is, when you brush your teeth, you help remove food and plaque – a sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. These bacteria can lead to embarrassing bad breath and more importantly, when this bacterium is left to harvest on your teeth, it can cause a more serious condition, such as gum disease. Many of you may not realize that there is a proper way to brush your teeth. Luckily, our staff at Pellegrino Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is here to share it with you.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh and don’t forget to floss!

If you have questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health or the services we provide at the practice, visit www.allentowndentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Pellegrino at Pellegrino Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Allentown, PA, call 610-530-7901.