Dental Plaque is the first stage of tooth decay. Plaque forms in the mouth during the day from the food and drinks you consume, and at night whilst you sleep. Furthermore, when plaque remains in the mouth, you’re risking damage to your oral health and dental emergency treatment. You can read more here about the kinds of emergency treatments available here.
What Is Plaque And Do I Have It?
Plaque isn’t something that is easily identifiable at home. Plaque consists of a sticky bacterial substance that develops from sugar and starchy foods such as sodas, cakes, wine and candy. Plaque is something that regularly develops because bacteria regularly lives inside our mouths. The bacteria are formed from food debris that remains in our mouths that can also lead to an acid attack if not treated early.
With repeated acid attacks, your enamel is in danger of erosion and you’re risking the chance of cavities forming.
It is difficult to identify if you have plaque on your teeth. This is the added advantage of regular dental check-ups because the dentist has the experience to know exactly what they’re looking for. If you’re concerned about plaque build-up, book an appointment with your local dentist as soon as possible.
What Are The Causes Of Plaque?
Build-up of plaque is caused by two things; poor oral hygiene and your diet. A diet consuming carbohydrates and sugars are culprits of plaque build-up. Along with no check-ups at the dentist, plaque will turn into bacteria, causing demineralization and damage to your enamel. Teeth can then become decayed which would potentially require emergency treatment to save the teeth or remove it altogether.
These are dangerous risks to the long-term health of your teeth. Below outline four key steps to prevent plaque build-up.
How To Prevent Plaque Build-Up
There are simple oral hygiene steps that can prevent plaque build-up. All it takes is to ensure you carry out the following steps every day to keep your teeth clean and white.
- Brush and floss thoroughly twice a day, once at night before you sleep and once after you wake up. Using a soft bristle brush, gently brush teeth in a circular motion naturally for more than 2 minutes in all contours of teeth.
- Flossing requires you to remove plaque between your teeth and under the gumline. These are stubborn areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush.
- Reduce sugar and acidic consumption. If you’re eating food and drink containing high levels of sugar such as Sauces, Sweets, Chocolates, Coffee, Wines and Sodas, and using Sugar as part of your meals, you need to reduce this. Sugar can build up on teeth causing acid attacks, further damaging teeth in the process.
- You cannot judge the health of your teeth at home. Therefore, regular dental check-ups is another key step in preventing plaque build-up. Along with performing a scale and polish, the dentist can determine the state of your teeth and provide oral health recommendations and tips to keep your teeth clean and clear from plaque.
Are you in danger of plaque build-up? You need a check-up at your local dental practice. Contact us today and we’d be happy to help.
