Can I Scrape Plaque Off My Teeth?
Plaque has a nasty habit of yellowing teeth, destroying enamel and gum tissue, and generally weakening your dental health. Plaque is the negative byproduct of enjoying calorie rich foods and neglecting your dental hygiene. We will all experience some form of plaque throughout our lives, but it is important to educate yourself about Plaque and how to prevent it from becoming worse.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is the result of lots of buildup of organic material, namely food, that has begun to degrade. As this leftover foodstuff breaks down, it attracts communities of bacteria. The bacteria attaches and feeds on the organic matter, creating a slurry of sugars, acids, and bacteria. This slurry hardens over time, creating a layer of Tartar that breaks down enamel and dentin, eventually finding its’ way past the gumline and into the blood. Once the bacteria has attacked and destroyed the blood transport layer tissues, the gums will recede and the teeth will develop periodontal disease. This is why good dental hygiene is so important, because the problems associated with dental disease quickly cascade and compound to become very advanced and costly. This is why the best defense against plaque is early preliminary work by the patient and dental care team.
Proper Hygiene to Prevent Plaque Buildup
Begin with regular trips to your dentist. Pursue a thorough dental cleaning to begin with a clean slate. Ask your hygienist to identify hot spots or areas requiring further attention. When you get home follow the basics of dental hygiene:
- Brush- Brush at least twice a day, and target the areas especially after meals. Work in gentle but firm circles, up and away from the gumline. This should help to pull the plaque or bacteria away from the gumline, and off the tapered edges of the teeth. Speak with your dentist about their preferred toothpaste. Be cautious of over brushing, especially if you have a history of neglect. You cannot reverse years of plaque buildup by attempting to “scrape” or “scrub” discoloration or cumulus off your teeth.
- Many patients report success with use of a water pick- Investigate if this is an option for you based on your dental health history.
- Floss- Flossing is the best way to remove physical cumulus from between the teeth. Work the floss in between every tooth, following the contours of each individual tooth. Floss it back and forth, especially at the gumline. Do not be afraid to change the floss whenever you feel it is necessary.
- Mouthwash- Mouthwash is a great way to comprehensively cover larger or harder to reach portions of the mouth. Speak with your dental care team about the best antibacterial options.
You cannot physically scrape your Hardened Plaque or Tartar off at home. The best and safest way possible is to see your hygienist, who has years and years of experience cleaning teeth, removing plaque, and scraping Tartar. Your hygienist has specialized tools and precise technique to protect the surface of the teeth, while also breaking up the built-up tissue.