Did you ever know what actually the plaque on your teeth is? Dental plaque is an immensely sticky, colorless, or pale yellow deposit of film that keeps on building on your teeth. When saliva, food, and fluids merge together, plaque – which comprises bacteria – forms between your teeth and along the gum line which can ruin your tooth enamel and gums. Scientists call plaque a “biofilm” since it’s undeniably a community of living microbes surrounded by a gluey polymer layer. The sticky coating enables the microbes to stick to surfaces in your mouth so they can expand into strong microcolonies. It will make your teeth “feel fuzzy” to the tongue and is most visible when teeth are not brushed.
Its Causes
Bacteria and other organisms make an entry in your mouth whenever you eat, drink, and even breathe. Usually, a fragile balance is maintained in your oral ecosystem, but issues can spring up when specific strains of bacteria become excessive. When you have carbohydrates and sugary items and drinks, such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta, and fruit, bacteria feast on the sugars, forming acids in the process. Those acids can create trouble such as cavities, gingivitis, and certain kinds of tooth decay. And also if you are a heavy smoker or have a history of head/neck radiation then that can also cause plaque.
When plaque is left untreated, it can harden into tough-to-remove tartar.
What are the Symptoms?
- A fuzzy feeling on the teeth
- Chronic bad breath (Halitosis)
- Red, swollen, tender gums that normally bleed after brushing (Gum issues)
What will your Dentist do in Dallas, TX?
Your dentist can spot plaque on your teeth with the use of a small mirror during an oral examination. Plaque that has hardened into tartar (a hard, yellow, or brown deposit that tightly glues to the teeth) will have to be cleared by your dental professional at Village Family Dental. Your dentist or oral hygienist can do the Dental Cleaning when you go for a regular checkup.
How Can Plaque Formation Be Prevented?
- Daily brush your teeth twice with a soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush for minimum of two minutes. Few dentists recommend electric toothbrushes since they are considered to be more potent at cleaning plaque.
- Pay special attention to the gaps where the gums and teeth link. Use fluoridated toothpaste.
- Everyday floss between teeth to wipe out food particles and bacteria.
- Don’t forget to make use of an antibacterial mouthwash to decrease bacteria growth that causes plaque and gum troubles.
- Go to your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for a check-up and Teeth Cleaning.
- Maintain a balanced diet and reduce the number of between-meal snacks. Vegetables, like celery, aid eliminate food particles and help saliva neutralize plaque-causing acids.
When you implement all these healthy oral practices, then you will certainly be able to combat plaque, before they start unbalancing your oral health and flaunt your beautiful smile!
