If you’ve ever been to the dentist or even watched a toothpaste commercial, you’ve probably heard the word “plaque” before. But what is it, and how can you prevent it from damaging your smile? Here’s a closer look at this sticky substance, and how not removing it in time can cause a variety of dangerous oral health problems.
What is Dental Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky clear or whitish substance that coats your teeth after eating and drinking food throughout the day. You know that weird “fuzzy” sensation you can feel with your tongue when you run it over them after eating? That’s plaque. So, how did it get there? Well, it’s made of food particles, saliva, and bacteria that accumulate following meals.
How Can I Get Rid of Plaque?
The great news is that you can easily remove plaque by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. This will help eliminate that gross feeling and prevent the nasty film from hardening and causing a variety of oral health problems including cavities and gum disease. When it reaches this stage, it’s known as tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar can only be removed by a dental professional with special tools. This is what your dental hygienist is clearing off your teeth during your dental cleaning. It can accumulate both above and below the gumline, inside the gingival pockets. When this happens, you may even need a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing.
How Can I Prevent Plaque from Forming?
While it’s normal for some amounts of plaque to accumulate throughout the day, you can help prevent it from appearing by adapting the following healthy habits:
- Chew sugarless gum that contains xylitol.
- Limit sugary or starchy foods in your diet.
- Use mouthwash daily.
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily.
- Visit your dentist every six months for your regular, preventive check-up and cleaning.
Remember, dental plaque forms in every mouth, no matter how well you care for your smile. Thankfully, removing it and preventing it from becoming tartar is easy. If your teeth are looking or feeling a little lackluster, it’s a good sign that it’s time to schedule your preventive dental exam and check-up, where in addition to making sure your mouth is healthy, your dental team can remove built on plaque and tartar and reveal your clean, beautiful smile again!
About Dr. Brong
Dr. Nicholas Brong earned his dental degree at the University of California, San Francisco. He’s a proud member of the Minnesota Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and SPEAR Education. He is proud to help protect the smiles of patients of all ages through excellent oral health care. To schedule an exam and cleaning at Zumbro Family Dental, visit our website or call 507-288-1066.
