Brushing teeth at least twice a day can help remove dental plaque and prevent the development of tartar. Brush the front and back of your teeth to remove all plaque.
What Causes Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that accumulates and coats teeth. According to the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, there are more than 700 species of bacteria in the human mouth. These bacteria break down starchy foods into a sticky, acidic substance, which is what we call dental plaque. This sticky substance forms continuously as you eat, and bacteria act on food remnants. The easiest way to see plaque is by scratching the enamel of your tooth with your fingernail.
Though plaque is colorless, food particles stick to it, creating a whitish coat that you see when you scratch your tooth. With time, this residue changes color into a yellowish-smelly substance that causes teeth discoloration. When this plaque hardens over time, it becomes tartar, which cannot be easily removed by brushing teeth.
How Brushing Removes Dental Plaque
Regular brushing of your teeth is the easiest way of controlling the accumulation of plaque. Brushing teeth after every meal will remove most of the plaque from them. Take time to brush the front and back of your teeth in a reciprocating manner, moving from left to right and up to down. Once in a while, use dental floss to remove plaque from the tight spots between your teeth where your brush may not reach. Anti-bacterial protection toothpaste or mouthwash detergents will help you reduce bacterial activity on your teeth, tongue, and gums, further improving oral hygiene.
How Can Dental Plaque Be Prevented?
It is not possible to completely prevent dental plaque, for the mouth is a beehive of bacterial activity due to food remnants. However, you can reduce the accumulation of plaque on your teeth through regular brushing and flossing, choosing healthy nonstarchy foods, and using mouthwash to control bacteria growth.
Closing Remarks
Dental plaque is a major oral health risk factor that is associated with many oral disorders. Contact us today for dental plaque management tips and treatment plans to deal with dental plaque.
Dental Blog | Dentist Salem, OR | Fairmount Dental Center Fairmount Dental Center has created this dental blog to help patients and the community. Click to learn more about dental procedures, home care and more! Fairmount Dental Center, 1524 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302-4310 | (503) 362-8364 | fairmountdentalcenter.com | 11/29/2024 | Associated Words: dentist Salem OR |
Brushing teeth at least twice a day can help remove dental plaque and prevent the development of tartar. Brush the front and back of your teeth to remove all plaque.
