Understanding Plaque and Its Impact on Oral Health

Dental Plaque

Plaque is the sticky film that forms on her teeth throughout the day.

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Understanding Plaque and Its Impact on Oral Health

About Dental
Plaque

Plaque is the sticky film that forms on her teeth throughout the day. That fuzzy feeling on your teeth is bacteria-growing plaque! Removing plaque regularly is crucial to the health of your teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease.

When plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar. A buildup of tartar can quickly lead to periodontal disease and gum recession. Periodontal disease, in turn, can lead to deterioration of the jaw bone and tooth loss.

Understanding Plaque and Its Impact on Oral Health

What causes dental plaque?

Plaque forms every day but the amount that develops on your teeth is largely determined by the foods and beverages you consume. Plaque really likes sugary and starchy foods which help feed the bacteria that create enamel-eroding acids. This is why it is important to drink water, to sugarless gum, or better yet, brush after every meal.

Everyone has some degree of dental plaque but those who are prone to plaque build up or to periodontal disease may experience more plaque than others. Those who are more prone to plaque build up include patients that:

* Smoke
* Take certain medications that cause dry mouth
* Consume a lot of starchy or sugary foods

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Risks Involved

What are the risks of plaque?

Plaque itself is not detrimental to your oral health as long as it is removed every day with brushing and flossing. When plaque is allowed to build up, it can harden into tartar which is where you might get into some dental trouble. Only your dental professional can remove tartar using manual and ultrasonic tools so removing plaque regularly can help ensure that you do not have a buildup of tartar.

When plaque hardens into tartar, it can lead to:
* Tooth decay
* Periodontal disease
* Gum infection and recession
* Tooth abscess
* Bone deterioration
* Tooth loss

Understanding Plaque and Its Impact on Oral Health

Can I prevent plaque buildup?

Of course! All you need to do to prevent a buildup of sticky plaque is to practice proper oral hygiene every day. Steps you can take to reduce plaque accumulation include:

* Floss at least once daily with dental floss or a water flosser to get rid of food and plaque between teeth.
* Brush at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush using fluoride toothpaste.
* Chew sugarless gum if you are not able to brush soon after eating or drinking.
* Cut back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks.

You should also make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam. Check-up x-ray are also vital to the health of your teeth. Your dentist cannot see what is going on below the gumline or within your teeth without dental x-rays.

Can I Scrape Plaque off My Teeth