Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is an invisible layer of food debris that builds on the tooth. It is always there and is made of bacteria and food debris. It has a slimy texture and provides nutrition to the bacteria that can cause tooth decay unless you seek dental plaque treatment from a professional dentist.

What is dental plaque?

More than 800 different types of bacteria are present in plaque. Most of which are harmless. However, there are some bacteria, especially an organism called streptococcus mutans, which causes tooth decay by producing acid from sugars that we eat, which dissolves tooth enamel.

Other bacteria are responsible for gingivitis (mild, reversible gum disease) and periodontitis (severe, irreversible gum disease).

Dental plaque symptoms

  • Bad breath that won’t go away.
  • Red or swollen gums.
  • Tender or bleeding gums.
  • Painful chewing.
  • Loose teeth.
  • Sensitive teeth.
  • Receding gums or longer appearing teeth.

Have you noticed the above symptoms? You would want to consider removing plaque from teeth at the dentist.

Common causes & prevention of dental plaque

To Prevent Plaque Buildup:

  • Brush thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth. ∙ Floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth and under your gum line, where your toothbrush may not reach.
  • Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks.
  • Schedule regular dental visits for professional dental plaque removal and dental examinations.

Treatment

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup. Use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss between teeth at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria.
  • Use an antibacterial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.
  • See your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for a check-up and teeth cleaning.
  •  Ask your dentist if a dental sealant is appropriate for you. Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from cavities and decay.
  • Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as plain yoghurt, cheese, fruit, or raw vegetables. Vegetables, such as celery help remove food and help saliva neutralize plaque-causing bacteria.

If you are concerned about plaque buildup, get an online dental consultation with a Teledentistry.com online dentist.  Removing plaque from teeth at the dentist is advisable for many reasons. You’ll get real-time advice from a live dentist via our secure video conferencing system and recommendations on how best to brush your teeth and maintain proper oral hygiene.

Commonly Asked Questions

Dental plaque is an invisible layer( made of food debris and bacteria) that builds up on the tooth.
Yes, dental plaque buildup is preventable by regularly brushing your teeth, limiting sugary foods and, regularly visiting your dentist for a dental checkup.

Dental plaque treatment services are not as expensive as many people think. Please click here to check out our pricing page for more information.

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