Dental plaque represents one of the most widespread oral health disorders in the world, affecting millions of people. However, more of them have not realized how dental plaque forms, why it poses danger, or how to deal with it appropriately. In this article, we will delve into the broad details about dental plaque and, meanwhile, provide practical guidelines on its prevention and removal.
Source: https://thedentalcure.com/dental-plaque/
Dental plaque is a soft sticky film that clings to your chewing surface. The main ingredient of plaque is bacteria, saliva, and food particles. When you have one or more types of sugars or starches in your diet, a bacterium feeds on it and digests it into acid that then forms plaque.
The formation process of the plaque may start after minutes since you take your food, especially taking sugary or starchy foods. However, any plaque left in the teeth cannot be removed easily by brushing and flossing. It hardens into tartar, which is a hardened deposit, usually much more difficult to remove than plaque, which consequently could lead to much worse dental conditions.
Though harmless, it may go all the way when it is not restrained. The acids that the plaque's bacteria produce start eating their way into the enamel of the teeth, and it eventually leads to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Causes Tooth Decay: The primary cause of cavities is the bacteria that help in producing acids which break through the enamel and leave holes in your teeth.
Gum Disease: A progression along the gumline of plaque can cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. If not treated, gingivitis spreads to periodontitis, a severe infection of the gums which can destroy the bone surrounding your teeth.
Bad Breath: The sulfur compounds that the bacteria in plaque produce often lead to chronic bad breath, also called halitosis.
Formation of Tartar: It sometimes occurs that plaque deposits minerals and results in tartar formation. Only a professional should remove tartar. The formation of tartar makes it difficult to maintain clean teeth and allows more plaque to get formed.
The good news is that it is possible to prevent the formation of dental plaque on your teeth by adopting proper oral hygiene and hygiene practices.
Clean all surfaces of your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush, starting with areas difficult to reach, using fluoride toothpaste in order to remove plaque and prevent the formation of plaque.
Flossing will remove plaque and food which remain on your teeth sides areas that can't be reached by your toothbrush. It pays to become a regular flosser so plaque does not combine with tartar.
Antimicrobial mouthwashes also decrease the number of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Where possible, try to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride for further protection of your teeth.
Reduce the consumption of sweets and starch, which contribute the most directly to plaque. Adopt a diet with higher fruit, vegetables, and dairy products in their purest forms that will improve oral health.
Within the hands of a dental professional, regular check-ups can detect and eradicate problems even before they occur.
Regular checkups and cleanings at your dentist will ensure you visit your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning. Proper cleaning is known to remove tartar from the teeth; through check-ups, a dentist may be able to notice any early signs of the development of plaque-related conditions like tooth decay or gum disease.
If plaque is left there long enough, it will ultimately result in more than just cavities. The consequences of long-term unpetted plaque are grave and generally indicative of your general health.
Tooth decay is the result of acids produced by consumption of enamel by plaque. However, when the cavities become deep enough, they could reach the pulp with a resultant pain, or else, root canals or extractions have to be carried out.
Plaque along the gumline can cause inflammation and infection; this leads to redness, swelling, and bleeding. If gingivitis is overlooked, it may further develop into periodontitis, resulting in tooth loss.
There is emerging evidence that poor oral care and untreated plaque are associated with other health problems like heart diseases, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The bacteria from the plaque enter the blood flow and, hence, affect other parts of the body.
1. Can Plaque Cause Permanent Damage?
Yes, if not removed, it leads to cavities, gum diseases, and permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
2. How often will I need professional cleanings?
One needs to come in every six months for professional cleaning, but according to the dental needs of some people, one may need to come in more frequently.
3. Can mouthwash serve as a replacement for brushing?
No, mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Although effective at lowering the bacterial counts, you simply cannot replace brushing and flossing as a method of removing plaque from your teeth.
4. What is plaque and tartar?
Plaque- It is a soft sticky film on your teeth. Tartar- This is hardened plaque which only a dental professional can remove.
5. Does diet have any relation with the development of plague?
Hence, it would be appropriate to say that a diet high on sugars and starches can be a guilty catalyst in creating plague. Very low consumption of sweet bars can severely help in the limitation of the formation of plague.
Dental plaque is somewhat a common problem, and it can be managed if oral hygiene and routine dental care are given to the teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly, use of mouthwash, and regular cleanings with your dentist prevent plaque from causing worse problems such as cavities and gum disease. Healthy diet, while minimizing foods rich in sugar, will also prevent plaque; thus, take control of your oral health today and enjoy a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.