Throughout our lifetime, we all experience dental plaque to some degree. Depending on how it is managed that makes the real difference in how it affects your oral health. As your most trusted dentist serving Gurnee and Park City, IL, we know all about dental plaque. Read on, as we share some information on what dental plaque is and how it affects your teeth, and how to get rid of it.
What Is Dental Plaque & How Do I Get Rid Of It?
Have you ever noticed a slimy, light yellowish film that is coating your teeth? Well, it’s plaque. The scientific term for plaque is biofilm, and it is a group of living microbes that are held together by a sticky layer of a chemical compound. This adhesive layer helps the microbes attach to your teeth which allows them to flourish into microcolonies, causing horrible havoc in your mouth.
What Is Dental Plaque & Tartar? – (Dental Plaque Causes, Prevention, & Removal Treatments)
When you think about your mouth, think of it as though it is an ecosystem. When we consume foods and beverages or even breathe, a variety of bacteria and organisms are able to enter our mouths. Though it is normal for these bacteria to enter, the balance can be thrown off when high levels of bacteria make their way inside. When this happens, the unfortunate result is intense dental plaque. Foods that are extremely high in starches and sugars contribute to the overdevelopment of bacteria that enters the mouth, encouraging plaque to develop. Plaque is commonly located between the teeth and under the gum line, which is the easiest place within the mouth for these colonies of bacteria to collect.
How Does Dental Plaque Put Your Oral Health at Jeopardy?
Dental Plaque is one of the leading causes of oral health problems. The bacteria that dental plaque is made up of produce acids when we eat. Dental plaque develops when we consume foods containing carbohydrates (sugars & starches). Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth. Plaque buildup can also lead to gum disease, first gingivitis, the tender and swollen gums that sometimes bleed. Gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, allowing the bacteria to destroy the underlying bone supporting the teeth. As a result severe periodontal gum disease can develop. These acids attack the teeth by breaking down the enamel, which will lead to negative dental dental conditions, such as:
- Dental Cavities
- Gum Disease
- Gingivitis
Not only does dental plaque affect the inside of your mouth, it can also change the way others see you. An ugly yellow film will cover your teeth accompanied by bad breath. The worst effect plaque has on your teeth is when it turns into tartar. Once tartar forms, this hard substance will firmly adhere to your teeth. This yellowish-brown cannot be removed on your own and needs the professional care of a dentist to get it off. If you leave tartar on your teeth, over a period of time it will result in serious gum disease.
5 Facts You Need To Know About Dental Plaque & Tartar
#1: Plaque is filled with bacteria.
#2: Everyone has plaque, even if you can’t see it.
#3: Plaque feeds off of your sugar intake.
#4: If not removed, plaque becomes tartar.
#5: You can easily prevent plaque from building up by brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Succeed in Preventing Dental Plaque & Gum Disease, Before the Worst Happens
Dental Plaque & Tartar Buildup may be unavoidable, the most essential oral health decision you can make is to keep a good dental health routine every day & to make regular visits to your local Gurnee Periodontal Dental experts. Overcome & Treat Periodontal Disease with the most extensive Periodontal Dental Care Plans in Gurnee (Park City, IL). Achieve the Smile you’ve always wanted with Dr. Galvez, by visiting Beautiful Smiles Dental Center to achieve optimal oral health & visual appeal today.
Never Forget to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most important habits that you can possess. It will protect your gums and teeth from the damaging bacteria that is in dental plaque. This is extremely important after consuming foods that have a lot of sugar. Unfortunately, a quick brush every evening isn’t enough. You need to practice proper brushing techniques and brush for at least 2 minutes in the morning and another 2 minutes in the evening. Electric toothbrushes are recommended to help get the technique right and battle against battling plaque. Ask your dentist at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for the best toothbrush in Chicago and the surrounding area.
Add Dental Flossing to Your Oral Health Plan
It is not uncommon for people to forget to floss or think that it is not an important part of their oral hygiene plan. This is a horrible misconception. Brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, but it can’t quite get to those hard-to-reach places. Flossing is able to get the job done by removing plaque that is stuck under the gum line and in between the teeth.
Use A Dentist Approved Mouth Rinse to Reduce Dental Plaque & Gingivitis
As an added bonus to your oral health regime, it is beneficial to use a mouth rinse. This is proven to help you tackle plaque and the issues that come with it. Research has shown that mouth rinse reduces plaque and gingivitis. Chlorhexidine, used in many types of mouthwash, is the best antiplaque and anti-gingivitis agent. Before you purchase your mouthwash, make sure to check with your dentist about the best mouth rinse to buy. They will be able to tell you which mouthwash is most beneficial for your teeth.
Lower & Neutralize Dental Plaque Causing Acid Intake by Eating a Daily Balanced Diet
A diet that promotes good oral health is not just about the foods you eat or avoid — when and how you eat them is equally important. Foods that take a long time to chew or that you hold in your mouth may damage teeth as they retain sugar in the mouth longer than do other foods. Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of between-meal snacks. Instead of snacking on sugary, carbohydrate-rich or acidic foods throughout the day, eat these foods just during meal times in order to minimize the amount of time teeth are exposed to acid. In addition, the body produces more saliva to help digest larger meals, which washes away more food and helps neutralize harmful acids before they can attack teeth. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, fruit, or raw vegetables. Vegetables, such as celery, help remove food and help saliva neutralize plaque-causing acids.
Additional Plaque Formation Prevention Tips:
- See your local Gurnee IL Dentist & Oral Hygienist, on a regular basis for a dental checkup, exam, and teeth cleaning.
- Ask your dentist if a dental sealant is appropriate for you. Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that are painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from cavities and decay.
Top Rated Dental Clinic in Gurnee to Conquer Dental Plaque
Usually, the ongoing battle against plaque is simply done through your daily dental hygiene routine. But, in cases of intense and irreversible plaque build-up that turns into tartar, you will need to visit your dentist at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center to have it removed. It is critical to visit your dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and cleanings. Even if you stick to a good dental health routine at home, there are still areas within your mouth that cannot be reached. That is why a dentist is needed to ensure that each part of your gums and teeth are healthy and happy.
Stay in Control of Dental Plaque & Tartar Build Up with Beautiful Smiles Dental Center
Do you want your teeth and gums to last a lifetime without any complications? Then it is important to fight plaque build-up. Whether it is at home or in the dental office, getting rid of plaque will result in a cleaner mouth that is less prone to gum disease and tooth decay. Think back to when the last time you had your teeth and gums checked. Beautiful Smiles Dental Center provides the most trusted & experienced dental plaque removal services in Gurnee (Park City, IL). We will help you achieve your best smile & optimal oral health, book an appointment today.
