Do you find yourself in regular discomfort when you eat? Do you suffer from bleeding gums, persistent pains in your tooth, or unusual tooth sensitivity? If so, you likely have dental plaque issues.
You probably brush your teeth at least once a day. You might even floss on occasion. And even on the days you do, your dental plaque removal isn’t optimal. Unless you’re scheduling regular visits to the dentist, you can’t be sure your teeth are as clean as they should be.
Why is dental plaque so important to remove? Read on to find out before it’s too late.
What Is Dental Plaque?
To achieve optimal oral health, one must be wary of dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth.
Tooth plaque is made up of bacteria that thrive on the sugars and starches we eat. It stays on your teeth, unless removed, and the bacteria in it can produce harmful acid. The acid is responsible for destroying your tooth enamel leading to oral problems.
Oral Problems
Dental plaque removal is important because if it isn’t removed, it can harden and become tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque and can cause damage to the teeth and gums. It can cause oral problems like cavities and gum diseases.
Tooth cavities are one of the most common oral problems. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the enamel of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Once the enamel is weakened, the bacteria can drill through the tooth and cause an infection leading to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.
Plaque produces toxins that damage and inflame the gums. This can result in gingivitis, which is when the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If plaque is not removed, it can progress to periodontitis, when the gums and bone start to break down, leading to tooth loss.
Additionally, plaque can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. This is because the plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria, which release sulfur compounds that cause the unpleasant odor. No one wants to be known as a person with bad breath, so removing plaque is essential for fresh breath.
Finally, although it is not harmful, it can also cause the teeth to look yellow and stained. When not removed, plaque can turn into tartar which is yellow or brown in color. It can cause permanent staining on your teeth and may not be the most attractive look.
Plaque Removal You Can Do At Home
Dental plaque removal is important for maintaining good oral health. There are many effective plaque removal methods, including brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, rinsing with a mouthwash, and using chewing gum.
Brushing twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended. Gently brush all surfaces of your teeth in a circular motion. Be sure to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Flossing is another way to remove plaque. It allows you to reach the areas between your teeth that our toothbrush can’t, making it an essential part of oral care. Be sure to floss at least once a day to keep your smile healthy and sparkling!
You can also use mouthwash to help remove plaque. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Mouthwashes containing fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay. While mouthwashes containing alcohol can cause dry mouths, so it is best to avoid them.
Chewing gum is often chewed for its pleasant taste and smell; it can also help remove dental plaque. It helps remove plaque by stimulating saliva production, which in turn washes away plaque-causing bacteria. So next time you reach for a piece of gum, remember that you’re not only enjoying a delicious treat, but also helping to keep your teeth healthy and plaque-free!
When To See a Specialist?
While brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, it is also important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Professional cleanings remove plaque that has hardened into tartar, which is more difficult to remove at home. You should see a dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup, but you may need to come more often if you have gum disease.
Your dentist can also customize your dental routine based on your needs. If your tooth plaque has led you to have severe toothaches, you may need to go to a specialized dentist. A Root Canal Endodontist is trained to treat root-related issues.
How To Prevent Dental Plaque From Reforming?
If plaque isn’t removed, it can quickly be reformed. That’s why it’s essential to avoid foods that promote plaque formation and growth. Foods high in sugar and starch are some of the worst offenders.
Sticky foods like candy and cookies can be difficult to remove, even with good dental hygiene habits. If you eat these types of foods, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly afterward. Prevention is the best way to avoid these problems, so it is important to brush and floss daily and visit a dentist regularly.
Smoking should also be avoided to prevent dental plaque reforming. Tobacco use can also contribute to gum disease by decreasing the blood supply to the gums and promoting bacteria growth. Smoking also affects the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infection.
Valuing Dental Plaque Removal
Dental plaque removal is vital in order to maintain good oral health. Plaque build-up can lead to oral problems such as cavities, gum diseases, bad breath, and even tooth loss. Brushing and flossing daily can help remove plaque, but it is also important to visit the dentist for professional cleaning.
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