The bacteria that naturally exist in the mouth cause plaque, a sticky biofilm that forms on teeth. As terrifying as it may sound, everyone experiences it. Your teeth and gums’ health depends on how you handle plaque if you have to deal with it. Plaque on teeth can become tartar if not removed, which raises your risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
What leads to tooth plaque?
Numerous bacteria in your mouth congregate on the surfaces of your teeth to form this bacterial film, which frequently begins near the gumline. Plaque formation is perfectly typical and anticipated by the majority of dentists. An issue arises when the bacteria react with the sugar and produce acids. If you consume a lot of sugary, sweet, or simple carbohydrate-containing foods, the bacteria in your mouth can feed on the sugars by sticking them to the surface of your teeth.
Why should you be concerned?
If plaque on teeth is allowed to accumulate, the first two issues are tooth decay and cavities. Tooth decay is caused by acids that eat away at your teeth’s enamel; if these acids aren’t removed, they may continue through the dentin to the tooth pulp. Ignoring this plaque may potentially cause a bacterial infection or abscess to form inside the teeth. Plaque removal daily is the first step in preventing cavities or an abscess. If you don’t consistently floss or brush your teeth, plaque can solidify into tartar, forming quickly. If you don’t brush, tartar can form in as little as a day, and while plaque is typically not visible on the teeth, tartar discolours and turns brown or yellow. In addition to being unsightly, tartar can aggravate your gums and cause gingivitis. It’s also far more challenging to get rid of than plaque because brushing and flossing alone are insufficient. To get any tartar buildup removed, you must visit your dentist in Airdrie.
What is the treatment for tooth plaque?
Although plaque cannot be prevented from developing, it must be actively removed to reduce any harmful effects and tartar. By preventing the natural bacteria in your mouth from spreading, reducing the number of sugary foods, you consume can also help you regain control. Think about stimulating your salivary glands as well because saliva can continuously wash microorganisms from your teeth throughout the day. After a meal, rinsing your mouth with water can increase the saliva in your mouth, reducing plaque buildup on teeth over time. Research has demonstrated that one piece of sugar-free gum is chewed for 20 minutes after a meal to prevent decay and cavities in the same way. Regular dental visits are essential if you’re concerned about plaque or tartar accumulating on your teeth. If you cannot remove tartar on your own, your dentist or dental hygienist can do it while looking for cavities or gum disease. Working with your dental specialists can ensure that your mouth is as healthy as you deserve it to be since you can reduce all the harm caused by plaque at home.
To learn more about avoiding plaque buildup in the teeth, call your Airdrie dentist at Sierra Springs Dental. Call us at 403-945-4555 to book an appointment.
