What is Dental Plaque, And How Do You Remove it?
Dental plaque is a major problem when it comes to dental health-related issues because it leads to other problems as well, such as gum disease, gingivitis, and more. A majority of the population living in Boston has experienced some oral health problems at some point in their life. It can be treated and prevented by visiting a family dentist in Boston, MA, on a regular basis to ensure a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
What is dental plaque?
Dental plaque is essentially a sticky film that forms along the gum line on your teeth. Plaque is really common, but it is essential to remove it through regular dental cleaning, flossing, and brushing daily. If it remains on your teeth for a longer period, it can lead to gingivitis, cavities, and other dental health-related problems.
What causes plaque?
It forms when the bacteria in your mouth mix with starchy or sugary foods. The acids released by these bacteria break down the carbohydrates in your food. If you do not brush your teeth properly and soon after your meal or drink, this combination of carbohydrates, acids, and bacteria can mix into a colorless and sticky film called plaque.
How do I manage and treat plaque?
So, there are generally two aspects to it: the first is how to treat plaque, and the second is how to manage or prevent dental plaque.
- Treatment of dental plaque.
For its treatment, you require a dentist. A dentist will use special tools designed to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth during a dental checkup. They may also suggest dry mouth treatments, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and some toothpaste or mouthwash.
- Management of dental plaque.
There are some things that you can do to reduce or prevent plaque on your teeth:
- Floss daily: You should floss at least once a day to remove any food that is still stuck between your teeth. Some studies have shown that flossing before brushing removes more plaque.
- Brush twice a day: You should brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and use fluoride-based toothpaste twice a day, and one of those times has to be before bed.
- Use mouthwash: Rinse your mouth daily with a prescribed mouthwash that has anti-bacterial properties to prevent the formation of plaque.
- Choose healthy foods: What you eat and drink certainly reflects on your body, and your teeth are no different. Limit those foods and drinks that contain sugar.
See your dentist today!
If you cannot prevent plaque from forming and it stays there for too long, it can lead to other problems and potentially tooth loss if it becomes too severe. Seeing your dentist can keep your overall dental health in check.
