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What Is Dental Plaque And How Can I Get Rid Of It?
Most people have heard of plaque, but aren’t too sure about what it is. Dental plaque is also called microbial plaque, tooth plaque or dental biofilm. It is a sticky-soft, colorless to pale yellow film that slowly builds-up on the surfaces of your teeth. When food, fluids, and saliva combine, they produce bacterial deposits.
These deposits build up at the point where the gums and teeth meet and can cause irreversible damage to your gums. If you neglect to clean the plaque off your teeth regularly through regular flossing and brushing, the deposits can affect your tooth enamel. The plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
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If the plaque isn’t removed regularly, minerals from your saliva cause it to harden, turning into tartar within 24-72 hours. While you can easily remove plaque at home, you would need the help of a dental professional for tartar removal. We at Family Dentistry & Aesthetics offer a wide range of dental services and encourage patients to get their dental checkups done on time.
Early Signs of Dental Plaque
Since plaque isn’t easily visible, it is crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Make it a point to visit your dentist in Fort Wayne every six months for a checkup. They have the tools needed to spot dental plaque in hard to see spots and will use a dental scaler to scrape the buildup between your teeth. The dentist will provide flossing and brushing tips to help address these plaque buildup issues.
How To Spot Dental Plaque
It isn’t easy to see dental plaque unless it’s stained. Drug stores and grocery stores sell “disclosing tablets” that stain the plaque a red color. You can also use a cotton swab to smear some liquid food color on your teeth.
The color left behind on the teeth’s surfaces will indicate where the plaque buildup is and the areas that need to be brushed more carefully to remove it. It’s a good idea to stain and examine your teeth at regular intervals to ensure you’re removing all of the plaque buildup.
Best Way to Remove Plaque
These are the plaque removal techniques to follow. (Ask your dentist if they are okay):
- Floss – Use dental floss to remove all the food particles and germs between your teeth and rinse.
- Brush Teeth – Use a brushing method that’s comfortable for you. Make sure you don’t scrub your teeth hard, back & forth. Shorter back and forth and circular motions work best.
Use a fluoride toothpaste that provides proper protection from decay. Ask your dentist which mouthwash you should use. Also, make it a point to brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. That will ensure your mouth is thoroughly clean, and it gives you a fresh feeling too.
How to Avoid Dental Plaque
- Food residues provide constant nutrients to the germs that result in tooth decay, as well as ones that cause gum disease. That makes it essential to remove all the food residue and plaque, from your teeth every day.
- Avoid smoking to reduce the risks of plaque and tartar buildup.
- Brush and floss every morning and night and remove all the plaque at least once every day.
- You can also use a dental pick (readily available at all drug stores as well as grocery stores) to get rid of the plaque.
- Prevention is always better than cure. Adults that visit their dentists every six months are less likely to have plaque-related dental issues.
Following these steps and visiting your dentist regularly, is the best way to get rid of dental plaque and keep it at bay. For any more information about our world-class dentistry services, contact Family Dentistry & Aesthetics in Fort Wayne for a same-day appointment. The number to call is (260) 432-0561, and you can send us your queries via this Contact Us form too.
