Regarding your oral health, paying close attention to plaque is absolutely vital. Indeed, during a basic check-up or hygienic visit, your Ideal Dental dentist may probably bring up plaque a time or two. What, then, is plaque exactly, and why is it hazardous to your dental condition? Here is a closer view of one of the main dangers to your dental health and tips on controlling the issue with the help of an LA dentist.
What is Plaque?
Dental plaque is, all things considered, a sticky residue that develops around the gum line and on the surface of your teeth; when mouth bacteria encounter starch or sugary food particles, plaque forms. The particular kind of acid the bacteria create breaks down the carbs in the diet, leading to accumulation. If you have ever felt your teeth are “fuzzy,” you most likely experienced dental plaque. Plaque, though, can also lead to foul breath issues.
The Dangers of Plaque for Your Oral Health
Let plaque hang around your teeth, and you run major risk. You have essentially a layer of starchy, acidic bacteria clinging to dental enamel. This residue solidifies over time, producing tartar, calcified debris that a dentist must remove because they can cause tooth decay, gum disease, tooth infections, chronic bad breath, gum infection, tooth loss, plaque, and tartar, which are troublesome.
How to prevent dental plaque
Your general health suffers from your dental condition. Maintaining your teeth and gums helps you to maintain your overall body. These guidelines help to stop the development of plaque:
- Reduce your sugar intake; instead, choose a balanced diet comprising foods high in fiber.
- A minimum of two times a week, brush and floss. You might also gargle mouthwash between meals to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
- Drink plenty to prevent dry mouth. Saliva cleans food waste and guards tooth surfaces from germs-producing diseases.
- See your dentist twice a year for an oral exam and a professional cleaning.
How to treat dental plaque?
See your dentist routinely and practice good dental hygiene to help to lower plaque.
Here’s how to clean teeth of plaque:
- Floss every day. To free food and grime caught between teeth, floss once a day with dental floss. Research reveals that flossing before brushing teeth removes more plaque.
- Two daily brushes. Spend two minutes brushing your teeth using a soft-bustled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. At least twice a day, and ideally following each meal, brush.
- Chew sugar-free gum. Chew sugar-free gum if you can’t brush right away after eating or drinking. Select a type bearing the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
- Select nutritious foods. Limit starchy, sugary foods and beverages. Choose wholesome foods and snacks, such as plain yogurt, cheese, raw veggies, or fruit.
- See your dentist. Get at least twice a year dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Finish with mouthwash. Daily rinse using an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antiseptic mouthwash.
What happens if plaque is not removed?
If you neglect routine dental cleanings, daily brushing, and flossing, plaque can lead to major dental problems such as cavities or gum disease. Correct maintenance and oral hygiene will help you avoid these problems.
Conclusion
Speaking with your dentist is a great idea if you struggle with too much plaque. One of the most crucial things you can do for your smile is create a preventative strategy to stop plaque accumulation. Contact your neighborhood dental office to arrange a visit and learn how they might assist.
