What is plaque and how harmful is it?
Plaque is the sticky, colourless film that you feel when you run your tongue over your teeth. You can remove it by brushing or flossing, but you may also miss some spots.
Plaque constantly forms on the teeth, but it’s important to keep it from building up excessively. Otherwise, it could pose serious issues to your oral health.
Plaque can make your teeth look darker, and they can also cause bad breath. Let’s talk more about dental plaque, how harmful it can be, and how you can get rid of it.
What is plaque?
The mouth is naturally filled with millions of bacteria. Some are good and some are bad.
Each time you eat, the number of bacteria in your mouth also grows. The longer you delay brushing, the more opportunities harmful bacteria have to spread and wreak havoc.
When you eat sugary or starchy food, bacteria feed off their debris, and then form plaque. Sweets and chips do not necessarily cause cavities. It’s the plaque that’s left unremoved on the teeth.
Plaque can form 4-12 hours after brushing your teeth, so it’s important to brush thoroughly at least twice a day, and to complement it with daily flossing.
How is plaque harmful?
Can plaque be harmful when it’s naturally-occurring? While there’s no stopping plaque from forming, it’s unhealthy to keep it on the teeth for too long.
Here are some dental problems that plaque can cause:
- Enamel erosion. Bacteria in plaque produce acids that beat down the teeth enamel. The enamel is the outermost layer of the teeth. When it erodes, it exposes the dentin, the layer beneath it and the tooth nerves. This can lead to discoloration, increased sensitivity, and pain.
- Cavities. Plaque can also turn to tartar, which is a lot harder to remove. Tartar, on the other hand, can break down the enamel and cause cavities. More debris can accumulate on the teeth as cavities form. Deposits can get trapped in the holes and can be hard to remove. This can make your teeth even more vulnerable to decay.
- Gum disease. Plaque can also result in gum disease. It can irritate the gums and cause swelling, tenderness, and bleeding. When not treated, gum disease can progress and lead to recession. As the gums pull away, your teeth lose their stability. Pockets start to form around your teeth, which create more areas for harmful bacteria to breed. Severe cases can lead to tooth loss.
Preventing plaque and tartar build-up
Plaque is harmful but you can stop it from causing problems. Keep it at bay by maintaining good oral hygiene habits and ensuring regular dental visits.
Pay attention when brushing your teeth and don’t rush through it. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean teeth surfaces. Don’t forget to switch to a new one once your existing brush starts to become worn or frayed.
Keeping a varied, healthy diet is also important. By reducing your intake of sugary and starchy food, you help starve harmful bacteria and keep them from spreading.
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Please feel free to reach us even if you’ve missed your appointment due or have not been in the dental office for a while. We won’t judge, we’re here to help.