Remember how your parents used to tell you to brush and floss your teeth every day? They weren’t just saying that because it said so in the parent manual. They had good reasons to repeat it over and over — they were trying to prevent plaque.
Plaque is one of the biggest sources of oral health problems, but it’s also one of the easiest issues to prevent.
Here at Portrait Dental, we help our patients deal with plaque every day. Here’s what you need to know about plaque and the problems it can cause.
You know how your teeth feel “fuzzy” sometimes? That’s because of plaque. Plaque is sticky film or residue that forms on your teeth and around your gum line. It’s mostly made up of bacteria and food particles left in your mouth from when you ate.
The bacteria in your mouth love to break down food particles left behind from your meals. They especially love the sugary and starchy food you eat. As they break down the sugars, they leave behind the sticky film called plaque.
Within this residue, the bacteria then produce acid that attacks the protective enamel on the outside of your teeth. Once the enamel is worn down, the bacteria can infect the inside of your teeth, causing decay and cavities.
If the plaque is not cleaned off your teeth, it hardens into tartar. This can cause cavities and infection as the bacteria advance deeper and deeper into your teeth. The plaque and tartar can also inflame and infect your gums, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Not only can these problems lead to bad breath and tooth loss, they can affect the rest of your body as well. The inflammation in your gums can trigger your body’s immune response, which can cause your body to wear out as it fights the constant infection.
With more bacteria in your mouth, there’s a greater chance the bacteria enter your bloodstream, which can carry them throughout your body, where they can continue to cause infection and inflammation, leading to potential heart disease and other issues.
Gum disease has also been linked to problems controlling diabetes and a greater risk of developing dementia.
As you can see, plaque can be a big problem if you don’t get it under control. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to do so. The best plaque prevention is good oral hygiene habits: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to rid your mouth of leftover food particles and any plaque that is starting to develop.
You should also visit your dentist a couple of times a year for a professional teeth cleaning and exam. Professional tools can clear away more plaque than your toothbrush, plus your dentist can check for early signs of any oral health problems plaque may have caused.
If you’ve overdue for a professional dental cleaning, Dr. Minh Nguyen and our team at Portrait Dental are caring experts who want to help get you back on track. You can call our Katy office at 501-381-1621 to make an appointment; if it’s easier for you to book an appointment online, you can also use our online scheduler anytime!
