Plaque

Dental plaque is a sticky film that will build up on your teeth. Plaque is a natural occurrence, it is the result of millions of bacteria forming on your teeth. Bacteria is what causes cavities to form, if not removed regularly.

You will see your oral health slowly deteriorate if you allow plaque to stay and grow on your teeth. This is because the bacteria in plaque will produce acids, damaging your teeth’s enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth).

Cavities are just one of the many things that will negatively affect your oral health if you do not remove plaque buildup. Gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums (called gingiva). Untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis.

Gum disease can develop when you allow plaque to build up on your teeth. In most serious cases, the infection will spread throughout the gums and can even destroy the jawbone. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove and much more efficient than plaque at breaking down your enamel.

Prevention

While plaque is a natural occurrence and will always form in your mouth, that doesn’t mean you should let the plaque win!

Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, utilizing fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth and protect your teeth from decay. Floss regularly to reach the places between your teeth that your toothbrush just can’t reach. Flossing, though often ignored, is incredibly important in preventing gum disease.

Eat a balanced diet and try to limit snacking between meals. The more food you eat throughout the day, especially if you don’t brush in between meals, the more sugar for the bacteria in plaque to build and produce acids.

Come see us every 6 months for cleanings and yearly for comprehensive oral exams. We will make sure your oral health stays in good shape!

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