Plaque And Your Oral Health: What You Need To Know

Dentist Blog

When you neglect to brush your teeth, you can feel the buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is dangerous for many reasons. Here are some things you need to know about plaque buildup and what you need to do about it:

How Does Plaque Form?

Plaque forms on the teeth after you eat or drink. Sugars and food particles from the food and drinks are especially prevalent when you do not brush your teeth daily. The bacteria will digest these items to form plaque. The plaque sticks to the teeth and can cause problems for your oral health.

How Does Plaque Harm Your Teeth?

Plaque is an acidic substance. Anything with acidic properties breaks down the teeth and wears away the tooth enamel. Plaque also inflames the gums and can cause gum disease. Plaque causes tooth decay and cavities and leads to tartar buildup. Plaque, if left on the teeth for prolonged periods of time, can ultimately result in the loss of the tooth.

How Do You Prevent Plaque?

You can never prevent plaque from forming in your mouth because you always have to eat and drink, and there are always bacteria in your mouth. The best way to help keep plaque away is through a healthy oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day or after every meal is best. You should floss daily at a minimum to remove the plaque from your gumline. Using mouthwash and a pre-brushing rinse can also help loosen plaque before you brush and will get more of the plaque off your teeth more efficiently.

You should also evaluate your diet. Try to avoid sugars whenever possible, as sugar helps facilitate plaque buildup. Plaque loves sugar, so the less you ingest, the less plaque you have to contend with. Also, try to snack less during the day if you can. Never avoid meals but try to keep your eating times lower. The more often you eat, the more frequently you should brush your teeth. Realistically, most people likely do not brush their teeth after each snack, which is why you probably have more plaque. Instead, fill up during your normal mealtimes to help decrease the plaque.

Above all, you should see a family dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will keep an eye on your teeth and provide you with products and methods to help keep plaque and the subsequent oral issues away.

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28 May 2021

Give Yourself the Gift of a Beautiful Smile

If you are someone who hesitates to open your mouth when you smile because you are embarrassed about your teeth, you should know that there are a number of cosmetic techniques that can give you a beautiful smile you will be proud to show to the world. As a cosmetic dentist, I have seen many clients transform their lives simply by fixing their smiles. This blog is meant to encourage people to find out about the possibilities in cosmetic dentistry so they can feel good about their smiles. A beautiful, confident smile really can change your life. I would love to show you how.