Plaque is a by-product left behind on our teeth as a result of the bacteria inside our mouths. Plaque is created by bacteria in our mouths digesting left-behind fragments of food on our teeth.
As the bacteria digest the food, the process creates plaque – a clear, sticky substance that if left on our teeth can lead to a range of dental problems. Many of the day-to-day cases that those in the dental profession see can be attributed to the build-up of plaque, often as a result of poor dental hygiene.
Plaque is a highly acidic substance; our teeth will never be totally rid of plaque, no matter how hard or often we clean our teeth, and plaque left to build up will slowly erode the enamel of our teeth, creating cavities. Plaque can also harden into a substance known as tartar which is much more difficult to treat; tartar is difficult to remove, and simple brushing and flossing is not sufficient. [pullquote]Plaque can also harden into a substance known as tartar which is much more difficult to treat; tartar is difficult to remove, and simple brushing and flossing is not sufficient.[/pullquote]
The removal of tartar often requires that a dentist or dental hygienist professionally clean a patient’s teeth. Tartar, if left can spread below the gum tissue, causing the tissue to separate away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to access further into the mouth. This in turn can lead to gingivitis and gum disease, which in turn can lead to severe tooth decay and even tooth loss. There are even medical studies which can intrinsically link plaque and tartar to illnesses that occur elsewhere in the body, so it is important to have teeth regularly checked and cleaned to limit the build up of plaque.
In addition to regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning to reduce plaque build up, dentistry professionals recommend a good dental hygiene regime that involves regular brushing, flossing, and the use of a good mouthwash to rinse away food debris from around the mouth.
Avoiding sweet, sticky foods such as candies and pastries and sugared soft drinks can also help to reduce plaque build up. Like bees and wasps, the bacteria in our mouth are especially attracted to sugary foods, and so even a small quantity of sugar left behind can be a veritable feast to bacteria. Regular chewing on sugar-free gums can help stimulate saliva production. Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense against bacteria, so keeping the oral cavity moist is important.
Plaque, although never totally eradicated can be controlled, and with proper dental care the problems associated with plaque build-up can be avoided.
If you are experiencing issues with plaque build-up on your teeth or need to schedule a routine teeth cleaning, contact our dental team today at 210-616-0858 to schedule an appointment.
