About Dental Plaque
Dental Plaque is the discolored buildup you have noticed after periods without brushing. As food gets crushed and chewed within your mouth, tiny particles lodge themselves in between your teeth and in microabrasions within the surface of enamel. As this food accumulates, millions of bacteria attach and feed upon your decomposing meal. This feeding frenzy promotes further bacterial growth, and an abundance of acids which attack the sugars and carbs, eventually hardening the slurry to a yellowed shell upon the teeth. The only way to remove this hardened plaque, now called tartar, is to have it removed by a medical professional.
The Dangers of Plaque
Plaque can create spaces for bacteria to thrive within the mouth. As the bacteria flourish and create communities, they enter the gumline–leading to infection. Gum infections promote gum disease, tooth loss, gum recession, pain and jaw disorders.
Gum Infections
Gum Infections can make you sick, including a fever and headaches. They also naturally lead to severe periodontal disease and tooth loss. Tooth loss creates a self-enforcing cycle of tooth loss, as your mouth attempts to handle the new ergonomics of chewing with gaps in your smile.
How to Prevent Plaque Buildup
The best way to prevent plaque buildup is to combat the problem before it starts. Begin by taking a thorough look at your teeth and gums to identify areas of attention.
- Brush- Brush in firm but gentle circles up and away from the gums, all around the teeth. Be sure to get behind the tooth as well, and resist the urge to “scrub” or “scrape” the plaque off.
- Floss- Flossing is the highest success method of physically expressing plaque and foodstuffs from between the teeth. It is absolutely necessary for plaque removal. Floss between each tooth, following the shape and contour of the enamel itself down to the gumline. Use a flossing motion to drag bits out from between.
- Mouthwash- Mouthwash is one of the most effective ways to hit large swabs of the mouth like the cheeks, under the tongue, and the roof of the mouth. Swish, spit, and repeat if necessary.
- Routine Cleanings- Every patient should schedule and attend cleanings every 6 months. No matter how good your hygiene, some residual plaque buildup is going to occur. Hygienist are specialists at removing hard stuck foodstuffs, flossing, and cleaning of the gums and teeth. Listen to the pro’s and see them regularly.
When to See Your Dentist
You should see your dentist every 6 months. Pay special attention to the color and shape of your teeth. Be sure to look for signs of plaque on the teeth, or persistent bad breath.
Dental Plaque is going to accumulate. No matter how good you are, some plaque is eventually going to appear. The most important thing is to take quick action and address the problem before it develops into Tartar, Gum Infection, and Gum Disease. With some time, attention, and the dedicated expertise of you dental care team–you can guarantee yourself a plaque free mouth and a healthy lifetime of dental hygiene excellence.