What is Plaque?

Plaque is a type of buildup that occurs throughout the body, and no matter where it accumulates it is dangerous to your health. Dental plaque is a soft, white, sticky film that develops on the teeth each day. Millions of bacteria live inside the mouth on any given day, and they react to the foods and beverages that you consume. After every meal, snack, piece of candy, soft drink, cup of coffee, glass of wine – anything other than water – the bacteria create a constant assault on your teeth.

As the bacteria inside your mouth react to the foods and beverages that you consume, they create harmful acids. The bacteria want to be helpful and break down particles left behind after you eat and drink, but their “helpfulness” is actually quite harmful. As the bacteria collect around particles left behind in your mouth, they begin producing acids to assist them. Acids of any sort are dangerous because of their corrosive nature. The acids produced inside your mouth are no different, and they will compromise the integrity of your oral health.

As plaque builds up on the teeth throughout the day, the teeth are battling a growing assault. Cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease are all caused by the damaging effects of plaque buildup that lingers on the teeth for too long. The acids in dental plaque are trying to eat their way through whatever is in their path: this being your tooth enamel and gum tissue. That fuzzy film that you feel on your teeth at the end of the day signifies just how much plaque can accumulate in a single day, and how vulnerable your teeth are. Removing dental plaque on a daily basis is the most important factor to implement in regards to your oral health.

Dental floss is the only tool that has specifically designed for plaque removal from the teeth. Many people mistakenly believe that brushing their teeth twice a day is enough, when a toothbrush was never meant to remove plaque. Your toothbrush helps to freshen your breath, clean the surfaces of the teeth, and loosen plaque so that it can be easily removed. Dental floss was designed to glide underneath plaque and scrape it away. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis through flossing, it will harden into tartar. Tartar is a calcified mineral deposit that discolors the teeth, and the only way to remove tartar is by your dentist scraping it off with special tools. If you are one who hates the sounds and feelings of dental scraping, then floss should be your best friend.

At Sycamore Hills Dentistry, we encourage you to floss on a daily basis. In order to achieve optimal oral health, you must choose to make your oral health a priority.

Posted on behalf of Sycamore Hills Dentistry