What Are the Causes of Dental Plaque and How to Prevent them?
- by Milena Marguenski
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- 13 Sept, 2021
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What is Dental Plaque?
Plaque is a kind of sticky film that forms on the surface of the teeth every day. You can feel the fuzzy coating, as soon as you wake-up in the morning. In medical terms, plaque is a “biofilm,” as it is a community of living microbes that is surrounded by the sticky polymer layer. The sticky coating allows the microbes to get attached to the surfaces in your mouth so that they thrive.
When the dental plaque isn’t cleaned, it draws minerals from the saliva to form a hardened yellow substance known as Tartar. It builds along the gumline and back of the teeth.
What Are Causes of Plaque?
Our mouth is a thriving ground of bacteria and other organisms.
Most of the time, the balance in the mouth is maintained, sometimes the problem happens when certain bacteria strains become overabundant.
The bacteria feed on the sugar you eat, causing the production of acids in the mouth. Those acids lead to problems such as gingivitis, cavities, and other kinds of tooth decay.
Under the gums, tooth decay happens from dental plaque. You can’t see it, but it eats away our teeth.
How Plaque Can be Diagnosed?
How to Treat Plaque?
Plaque can be removed via everyday brushing and flossing. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent tooth damage. These days, some dentists recommend an electric toothbrush for better results when removing plaque.
A 2019 study revealed that toothpaste having baking soda is effective for getting rid of plaque.
The plaque which has been hardened into tartar can only be removed by a professional dentist. Your oral hygienist can get rid of plaque during general check-ups and cleaning sessions. Since the tartar is built up around the hard-to-reach areas, it is indispensable to visit the dentist twice a year for removal.
How Do You Prevent Dental Plaque?
Practice Oral Hygiene
Rinse Your Mouth
Cranberries
Several lab studies have shown the polyphenols in cranberries are effective deterrents to mouth bacteria that cause plaque and dental cavities.
If you want a mouth rinse that doesn’t have any side effects or leads to staining, opt for a herbal oral probiotic rinse.
Top Dental Clinic in Brooklyn
Brooklyn residents often wonder whether their tap water is helping or harming their dental health. One key factor in this debate is
fluoride
, a naturally occurring mineral added to public water supplies to prevent cavities. But does Brooklyn tap water really protect your teeth from decay? In this blog,
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uncover the truth about fluoride levels in NYC’s water and whether it plays a significant role in cavity prevention.
Sudden gum swelling is a dental condition that requires immediate attention, even if there is no pain. Gum health is often overlooked, but it is essential for overall oral well- being. Swollen gums may seem harmless at first, but they often indicate underlying issues that can worsen if left untreated.
Many people think of dental emergencies as situations with severe pain, but it's important to understand that discomfort isn't always a reliable sign of serious problems. Just because there is no pain doesn't mean there is no risk. Sudden gum swelling should be treated as an emergency , emphasizing the need for prompt professional evaluation.
Ignoring swollen gums can lead to more severe complications, affecting both oral health and general wellness. By understanding the seriousness of this condition and
seeking timely intervention, you can prevent further damage and ensure that your gums—and teeth—stay healthy and strong.
A skilled dental team can properly assess and treat any swelling. Prioritize your gum health by taking action when you notice unusual changes, protecting your smile for the future.
It's important to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing your teeth regularly , can help prevent conditions like gum swelling. Additionally, if you're interested in improving your smile beyond just addressing gum issues, there are various options available in cosmetic dentistry that you should know about. Finally, if you're looking for ways to achieve a brighter smile, there are effective methods on how to get whiter and brighter teeth at home that you might find helpful.
If you thought that oral health problems are only for adults, then think again. The first teeth start appearing by 4 to 5 months of age. Then by the age of 3, kids have a full set of teeth. This is the time when parents have to be extremely careful about oral hygiene.
By the age of 6-7, the primary teeth start to fall out to make space for the permanent teeth. These permanent teeth are the ones that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. However, there are certain oral problems such as tooth decay, lip sucking, and early teeth loss.
Let’s take a look at these common oral health problems.
With the procedures’ popularity, several pharmaceutical companies launched their over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. This made the procedure more accessible and cheaper as compared to a professional session.
But which one is better? Let’s understand both the procedures first.
