Plaque is something that you may hear a lot about and that you know you need to keep off your teeth as much as possible. It also is something that you may not have a firm understanding about. This is a rough or bumpy coating that you can feel if you rub your tongue across your teeth first thing in the morning. Plaque is usually not visible unless you have significant buildup so you may be inclined to think it is not a serious issue until it becomes visible. However, regardless of whether you can see is or not, it is there. More than that, it can cause significant health issues if you do not remove it regularly.
Understanding Plaque
Plaque essentially is a buildup of unhealthy bacteria that feed on the leftover food and other debris in your mouth. Plaque is most commonly associated with causing yellow teeth, cavities, and foul-smelling breath. Many people do not realize that plaque is linked to serious issues, such as dementia and heart disease. These bacteria are foreign to the body, and this means that your immune system will kick into action if you let the plaque buildup. When your immune system is constantly struggling, you may ultimately be faced with systemic disease and serious symptoms of premature aging.
Examining the Development of Plaque
The bacteria in your mouth consume the sugars that are left in your mouth after you eat or drink. As is the case with any organism that consumes food, the bacteria will excrete waste as a product of their efforts. This waste product is highly acidic. The acidic substance is what causes cavities, color discoloration, the degradation of enamel and bad breath.
Unfortunately, this acidic substance hardens within approximately 48 hours. As it hardens, it calcifies. This hard substance is known as tartar, and tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar can cause red, inflamed, and bleeding gums. These are signs of gingivitis, which can lead to tooth loss and other serious issues.
It is best to brush regularly to avoid tartar buildup. Remember, however, that brushing will not remove all your plaque. In fact, it will not even remove half of it. Brushing must be combined with flossing daily for the best results. Ideally, you will also have sealants on your teeth, and your dentist can tell you more about your need for this protective measure.
The foods that you eat can also play a major role in the development of plaque and tartar. Because the bacteria feed on sugars in your mouth, eating low-sugar foods can help you to avoid a serious tartar and plaque issue. Vegetables are one of the best options because they are very low in natural sugars.
Once you have tartar, your dental hygienist may need to remove it professionally with a Periodontal Deep Cleaning. Dental visits for cleanings are recommended every six months in large part so that any tartar does not get layered on thickly. Calcified or very hard, thick tartar may require more substantial cleaning efforts.
Determining How to Handle Plaque
There are many products on the market today, such as various toothpaste and mouthwash rinses, that seemingly promise to tackle a tartar problem. If you know that you have plaque, you may be eager to address your situation at home without having to visit the dentist regularly.
The tartar control mouthwash and toothpaste products are designed to remove plaque or kill bacteria so that plaque does not turn into tartar. However, once the plaque has hardened into tartar, you simply cannot remove it at home. Your efforts to do so may result in damaged tooth enamel. Remember that enamel protects your teeth from the harmful effects of acid from the bacteria. In addition, your at-home efforts will not usually catch all problem spots.
You can see that plaque is a common issue that affects everyone, and it requires your regular effort with twice-a-day brushing and flossing to keep a serious plaque and tartar issue from developing. Because tartar cannot be removed by you at home, periodic dental appointments for cleaning sessions is essential for oral health. With so many negative effects associated with tartar and gingivitis, you can now understand the importance of regular oral hygiene appointments for your total body health.
About the Author
Dr. Marichia Attala is a leading Nassau County Periodontist. Learn more by visiting her website at NassauCountyPeriodontist.com
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