Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is a sticky film created by bacteria that accumulates on the surface of teeth over time. It is the primary cause of dental diseases such as cavities, gum disease, and inflammation of the gums. Plaque is made of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, and if left untreated can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Prevention of dental plaque starts with daily brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth twice per day helps remove plaque and food debris from the surface of teeth, and flossing every day removes plaque from between teeth. In addition, using an antiseptic mouth rinse or antibacterial toothpaste can help reduce the bacteria in the mouth that form plaque. It is also important to visit the dentist regularly. During a regular checkup, the dentist can remove plaque that has built up in the mouth and help prevent more complicated issues such as cavities or gum disease. Dental cleanings involve scraping the plaque off of the surface of the teeth with a tool called a scaler. Additional treatments such as polishing may also be used to reduce the build-up of plaque. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed with dental instruments. Tartar can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, making regular cleanings even more important to prevent further damage. Taking care of teeth and gums should be an integral part of everyone's daily routine. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly are the best way to prevent and reduce the build-up of dental plaque and keep the teeth and gums healthy and strong.