If you were not able to brush for a few days, you sure have felt that fuzzy feeling on your teeth. This is dental plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth.
It may seem harmless, but it is the main cause of many oral health issues you face, including cavities, gum diseases, and the infamous bad breath.
If plaque is left untreated, it forms into tartar, which is a hard layer that can only be removed by a dentist. If you are worried about your plaque buildup, then you should get help from a dentist in Cary, NC who can give you personalized treatment and help you avoid more significant health issues.
Dental Plaque and the culprit behind
Dental plaque is basically a biofilm made of bacteria. These bacteria live on sugars and starches present in our food that get stuck in our teeth. Once they start breaking these sugars, they produce acids as a byproduct, which erode the enamel and cause cavities. If left unattended, this plaque converts into a calcified deposit that is only removed by a dentist.
How does tar affect you?
Plaque buildup not only makes your teeth look yellowish and affects your smile but can also cause severe problems for your teeth and gums.
Cavities
When bacteria that cause plaque come in contact with sugar, they start producing acids that erode your enamel. The enamel is an important part of your teeth; it is the hard outer layer that protects the teeth from infection, sensitivity, and decay. If untreated, the corrosion of enamel can cause cavities and problems associated with it.
Gingivitis
If plaque accumulates near your gums for a long time, then it causes inflammation of the gums, which causes gingivitis. In gingivitis, you can experience redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gum, especially when you brush or floss.
Formation of Tartar
If you do not remove plaque regularly and leave it for a long time, then it hardens up to form tartar, which is a yellow deposit that sticks to your teeth. Unlike plaque, it can not be easily removed by regular brushing and needs professional cleaning by a dentist.
How to prevent dental plaque
Though you can not stop plaque formation completely, as it is a natural, continuous process, you can take measures to keep removing it and prevent any negative effects that you may face from it.
Brushing Twice A Day
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can help you get rid of plaque effectively, but if you are unable to brush twice, at least brushing once can minimize plaque buildup. Never leave your teeth unattended.
If you have inflamed gum, then try brushing gently with a soft bristle brush by brushing all surfaces from the outer surface to the inner.
Flossing
Floss is a thin thread that cleans between your teeth and along the gums and removes food and plaque that your toothbrush misses. Regular flossing is important to keep your teeth healthy.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can also play an important role in your dental health. Limiting starch and sugar-containing food, which fuels the bacteria that cause plaque can help. Choose a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Regular Dentist Visit
Visiting a dentist every six months for a professional dental checkup is very important for removing plaque and tartar. Getting a dental checkup can also help you diagnose any underlying disease and identify any early signs of dental problems.
Don’t Wait for Plaques to Cause Problems – Act Now!
Don’t let plaque buildup create problems for your dental health. Schedule a professional cleaning and checkup with a dentist today to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy.
