Do you ever wonder what’s lurking in your mouth? The answer is dental plaque, an elusive enemy that can cause tooth decay, gum infections and more if not fought against. Oftentimes, this buildup on the teeth appears invisible to the naked eye and can do damage before it is discovered. While brushing your teeth twice a day helps combat these unseen enemies, there are other habits and preventive measures that you should be aware of in order to keep your teeth healthy. This blog post will walk you through techniques for fighting off dental plaque so that you know how to protect yourself from its potentially destructive effects.

What is Dental Plaque?

Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that builds up on the surface of your teeth. It contains a mixture of food particles, saliva, and oral bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems if left to accumulate. Plaque has a sticky consistency when combined with saliva and gums, making it difficult to remove without proper brushing. Plaque can form in hard-to-reach places, so it’s important to be vigilant when trying to get rid of it.

Signs and Symptoms

The most obvious sign of dental plaque is tooth discoloration. Teeth may have yellow, brown or black spots that signify an accumulation of oral bacteria. Bad breath can also be a sign of plaque buildup, as the bacteria within it give off an unpleasant odor. Additionally, you may feel a roughness on your tongue when running it along your teeth, which is a sign that plaque is present.

Risks

If you don’t brush and floss daily, plaque can harden into tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar can lead to:

• Cavities.
• Gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.
• Severe gum infection (periodontitis).
• Tooth decay and loss.
• Tooth infection (abscessed tooth).

Dental Plaque and the Body

Scientists have found links between complications between plaque buildup and a number of other problems, including:

• Heart disease.
• Diabetes.
• Dementia.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Premature birth.

What’s behind the links? Experts can’t say for certain, but they believe that oral bacteria can escape into the bloodstream and injure major organs.

Preventing Plaque Buildup

The best way to fight dental plaque is with preventive habits. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is extremely important in order to remove the buildup of plaque and keep your teeth healthy. Flossing regularly can help get rid of plaque in hard-to-reach areas and prevent it from accumulating. Additionally, you should limit sugary snacks and drinks to reduce the amount of food particles that can lead to plaque buildup.

What Happens if it is Already Built Up?

If dental plaque has already built up, a professional cleaning at the dentist is the best solution. During this process, your dentist will use special tools to scrape away any tartar that has formed. Additionally, they may recommend an antiseptic rinse or fluoride treatment to help stop further buildup of bacteria.

At-Home Dental Care

If you want to take your dental hygiene a step further, there are various products available for at-home care. Mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain antiseptics can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Electric toothbrushes are also becoming increasingly popular as they are designed to remove plaque with ease. Additionally, tongue scrapers can be used to remove any bacteria that has built up on the surface of your tongue.

Unseen enemies such as dental plaque can be destructive if left unchecked, but luckily preventive measures and proper oral hygiene can help fight off these invaders. Brushing and flossing twice a day is an essential part of keeping teeth healthy, and regular visits to the dentist can help ensure plaque is removed before it has a chance to cause any damage. By being mindful of your dental hygiene, you can protect yourself from dental plaque and enjoy healthy teeth for years to come.

Fight Dental Plaque with Premier Dentistry of Eagle 

If you’re looking for a premier dentist in Eagle, look no further than Premier Dentistry of Eagle. We offer comprehensive dental care services ranging from preventive to restorative treatments and everything in between. Our highly trained staff is here to help you protect your teeth from plaque and other threats to dental health. Give us a call today to learn more about how our team can help you obtain and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.