Plaque is your mouths worst enemy. Professional dental cleanings are an important step towards keeping dental plaque at bay so tartar does not build up on your teeth. There are many detrimental effects that plaque can have on your teeth and gums. Dental plaque is a rather sticky film found on your teeth. This colorless film is a combination of harmful bacteria and sugar. The bacterium from dental plaque is formed when saliva mixes with the food that you eat. The formation of dental plaque is a natural occurrence in everyone’s mouth, so it is up to you to use proper steps to keep plaque to a minimum.
Properly brushing your teeth at least twice a day, as well as flossing each day is the best step to help remove plaque and prevent plaque from turning into tartar. Plaque turns into tarter build up when it is not properly removed. Plaque that is left behind will harden on your teeth, primarily around your gum line. In addition to bacteria, plaque contains harmful acid that attacks and damages your teeth after you eat. Plaque acid can break down your tooth enamel, and eventually lead to a cavity or tooth decay. If tarter has built up on your teeth, you must seek the help of a dental professional and special dental tools to have the tarter properly removed; a toothbrush will not remove tarter.
Gingivitis is another harmful negative associated with dental plaque. If you notice that your gums are bleeding, or are swollen and red, you may have gingivitis. When plaque found at your gum-line has the opportunity to build up and irritate the gum tissues, gingivitis is setting in. Without proper dental cleanings and plaque maintenance, gingivitis can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is just one more harmful effect of dental plaque and gingivitis. Regular dental cleanings and proper brushing and flossing will help deter plaque from building up in your mouth! You are in charge of your dental health. Be sure to do your best to keep plaque at bay for healthy teeth and gums!
