Dental plaque is a bacterial coating that sticks to your teeth and gums. It is a typical occurrence and something that happens naturally, but if it is not eradicated by proper dental hygiene habits, it can lead to oral health issues like gum disease, cavities, and poor breath.
Dental Plaque: What is it?
On the gums and teeth, germs develop a soft, sticky coating known as dental plaque. It is a regular occurrence that develops in the mouth, but if it is not removed by maintaining proper dental hygiene in Red Deer, it can cause a number of oral health issues.
By consuming the sugars and carbohydrates in the foods we eat, the bacteria in dental plaque produce acid that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Moreover, dental plaque can solidify into tartar, which is considerably harder to remove and can lead to gum disease as well as other oral health issues if it is not regularly eliminated by brushing and flossing.
How is Plaque Formed?
Plaque is created when oral bacteria and the carbohydrate content of meals interact. Grains, fruits, and certain beverages are just a few examples of foods that include carbohydrates. The bacteria inside our mouths feast on the carbohydrates in these meals when we eat them, and as a consequence, acid is produced.
Cavities can develop on teeth as a result of the acid that the bacteria produce over time. Moreover, the bacteria grow and produce plaque, a sticky film that sticks to the gums and teeth. It can eventually solidify into tartar (or dental calculus) if it is not removed by flossing and brushing, which are two essential steps in maintaining proper dental hygiene. Only a dentist can remove tartar since it is a harder, more tenacious material. Tartar buildup can cause gum disease and other oral health issues if it is not removed.
Plaque can be avoided by brushing and flossing frequently, eating a balanced diet hand maintaining good oral hygiene. Also, it’s critical to schedule routine dental checkups at a dentist near you and regular cleanings to ensure that any plaque or tartar accumulation is eliminated before it seriously compromises your oral health.
How to Prevent Plaque from Forming?
Maintaining good oral health requires preventing dental plaque. Here are a few tips for avoiding dental plaque:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste to get rid of any plaque that has built up.
• Daily flossing helps to eliminate plaque and food particles from areas where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, such as between teeth and along the gum line.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to freshen your breath and help fight oral bacteria. To help prevent cavities, look for an antiseptic mouthwash that also contains fluoride.
• A diet high in fiber and low in sugar can aid in preventing plaque formation. Lean protein sources, fruits, and vegetables, as well as nutritious grains, can support dental health.
• Sugary and acidic meals and drinks can erode tooth enamel and raise the risk of cavities. Reduce your intake of foods and beverages that are high in sugar and acids.
• Routinely visit the dentist for the removal of any plaque or tartar buildup that might have developed despite your best efforts. Routine dental exams and cleanings at your dental clinic in Red Deer are crucial.
Treatment for Dental Plaque in Red Deer
If plaque hardens and forms tartar, it can only be removed by a dentist. Our Red Deer dentist offers services such as cleaning, scaling, root planing, and ultrasonic cleaning at Saby Dental.