How to avoid plaque on teeth

Have you ever run your tongue over your teeth and discovered that they feel slippery? You may have noticed a visible thin film covering them too. This substance is plaque and it is bad news for our teeth.

Plaque is a clear or pale yellow, sticky film that constantly forms on our teeth. It occurs as a result of the interaction between our saliva, the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume, and the bacteria that is naturally present in our mouths. The plaque itself contains millions of bacteria, and unless it is removed fairly quickly, these bacteria can start to cause us to experience dental problems. This is because plaque is the root cause of many oral health issues.

Unsurprisingly, dentists recommend that patients do everything that they can do avoid the accumulation of plaque on teeth. Here’s what you need to know about why it is important to avoid plaque and what you can do to keep it at bay.

 

Why does plaque form?

Warm and moist, our mouths create the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. When we eat and drink, bacteria and other organisms enter our mouths. Ordinarily, our bodies are fairly good at maintaining a careful balance of oral microorganisms, which keeps our mouths healthy. However, problems can occur when the balance is compromised, causing too much bad bacteria to be present.

The plaque itself is made from leftover food particles and saliva that mix in our mouth. However, it is the bacteria that is found in the plaque that causes problems. And, when plaque isn’t regularly removed using a toothbrush it can harden into a white/yellow substance called tartar. Tartar can only be removed using professional tools by your dentist.  

 

Dental problems caused by plaque

Plaque is responsible for a number of different dental issues. The two most common are:

Dental decay

Most people are familiar with dental decay, but far fewer are aware that plaque is the root cause of all cavities. This is because the bacteria in plaque produces acids that attack tooth enamel causing cavities to develop. These are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into holes. They expose the softer, more sensitive layers inside the tooth which in turn causes the patient to experience dental pain. Without treatment, the decay can eventually penetrate the root of the tooth, destroying it and causing the tooth to die and fall out.

Gum disease

Plaque is also the leading cause of another serious dental problem – gum disease. Many people underestimate gum disease since the initial symptoms of the condition are very mild. However, gum disease is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue of the gums, and left untreated will progress until it destroys the bone and other structures supporting the teeth. Initial symptoms include swollen, red, and bleeding gums. As the condition progresses, it will cause bad breath, receding gum tissue, abscesses, severe pain, and tooth loss. If the structure of the bone deteriorates, the shape of the face can change too.

 

How to avoid plaque on teeth

There are a number of different things that you can do to avoid the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. The most obvious, and easiest is to stick to a robust oral hygiene routine. This doesn’t just mean simply brushing your teeth. It means adhering to all of the brushing recommendations provided by your dentist. This will include:

-          Using a soft bristled toothbrush and brushing in a methodical way for at least two minutes at least twice each day.

-          Using a fluoride toothpaste, as this will strengthen your teeth as well as clean them.

-          Opting for an electric toothbrush where possible. Electric toothbrushes are proven to remove more plaque than manual ones.

-          Remember to floss your teeth after brushing. This removes any plaque from between the teeth where your toothbrush may not be able to reach. If you find using regular floss difficult, consider using an alternative flossing tool, such as an interdental brush or a water flosser.

-          Use a fluoride mouthwash to rinse any final bacteria out of your mouth.

Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and professional cleaning will also help ensure that any plaque has been removed. Your dentist will also be able to check for the presence of tartar and if there is any, can remove it too.

Dentists also advise patients to consider their diet and eating habits when it comes to protecting their teeth from plaque. A healthy, balanced diet will ensure that you don’t consume too much sugar and that you receive the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy, strong teeth. You should also limit the number of snacks that you have between meals and try and choose healthy options such as crunchy vegetables. These will have an abrasive action when you eat them, helping to clean your teeth and encouraging the production of saliva which will neutralize acids and help limit the damage that they cause.

For more advice on how to avoid plaque on teeth, don’t hesitate to call John K. See, DDS in Camarillo, CA at (805) 920-8600 today!