A sticky substance called dental plaque accumulates on your teeth. Everybody receives a plaque. However, it’s crucial to get rid of it with daily brushing and flossing as well as routine dental cleanings. A plaque, if it remains on your teeth, may cause gingivitis, cavities, and other oral health issues.
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Dental plaque: what is it?
Dental plaque is a biofilm of bacteria that adheres to your teeth over time. It is typical to develop plaque. However, if plaque is not removed by regular dental cleanings, daily brushing, and flossing, it may lead to gum disease, cavities, and other problems with oral health.
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What components make up dental plaque?
Plaque is composed of germs, food debris, and saliva. As you chew, the microbes in your mouth break down the carbohydrates and sugars in your meal. Plaque, an acidic and sticky film, forms on the teeth as a consequence of food decay.
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How do you think plaque looks on your teeth?
Plaque is colorless in theory. However, food particles might adhere to the plaque and produce discolouration of the teeth.
Teeth stained by dental plaque feel and seem “fuzzy.” Plaque is present on your teeth if you run your tongue over them and they feel like little sweaters.
Plaque versus tartar
Piebald soil is called tartar. Plaque will become tartar if it isn’t consistently removed. You cannot remove it with a brush or floss at this time. It can only be taken out by a dentist or hygienist. Tartar also goes by the label dental calculus.
Tartar may first seem yellow or off-white. However, it will eventually absorb the color of everything you eat or use. Tartar, for instance, might seem darker due to a few factors, such as:
Coffee.
Tea.
Red Wine
Smoking
Tobacco Chewing
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What Effects Does Plaque Have on Our Gums and Teeth?
Teeth come into contact with food sugars every time we eat, and the plaque in our mouths turns these sugars into acid. The teeth may be attacked by this acid, and the damage may last for 20 minutes. A cavity may develop as a result of the tooth enamel deteriorating from frequent acid assaults.
Unremoved plaque may also irritate your gums and cause gingivitis, which is characterized by red, puffy, bleeding gums. Tooth loss may occur from more serious gum disease, which is exacerbated by plaque and tartar.
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How Can Plaque Buildup Be Prevented?
Plaque accumulation can easily be avoided with proper dental care practices. Ensure that you:
At least twice a day, give your teeth a thorough brushing with fluoride toothpaste to ensure that all of the surfaces are free of plaque.
To get rid of plaque from in between your teeth and beneath your gum line, where your toothbrush may not be able to reach, use floss or interdental brushes every day.
Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages as well as how often you snack during the day.
Make an appointment for routine dental checkups and cleanings with a professional.
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How often should someone see the dentist?
Periodically, you should schedule dental cleanings with your dentist. Every six months, some individuals need cleanings. Others may need more regular check-ins. What kind of cleaning regimen is ideal for you may be determined by speaking with your dentist.
In between regular cleanings, give your dentist a call to arrange a checkup if you start to notice any new issues. They may check your teeth to see if there have been any changes.
Plaque may lead to major dental disorders like cavities or gum disease if it is not removed by routine dental cleanings, daily brushing, and flossing. Maintaining and practicing good dental hygiene might help you avoid these problems.
In summary
Dental plaque affects everyone, including swollen gums. It simply occurs as a result of consuming certain meals and drinks. Unless you let it to accumulate over time on your teeth, it normally doesn’t create problems. You should see your dentist on a regular basis and maintain proper oral hygiene at home to prevent severe oral health concerns linked to dental plaque. Daily brushing and flossing are part of this. Plaque removal greatly lowers the chance of developing cavities, gum disease, and other dangerous illnesses.