Have you ever run your tongue over your teeth and noticed that they felt a little fuzzy? No, your teeth aren’t growing fur; that’s a substance called dental plaque. While it might feel gross, it’s actually a lot worse than that. Plaque buildup comes with some serious risks, as your family dentist in Columbia will tell you. Let’s take a moment to learn about plaque and what you can do to prevent it.
What Is Plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms when bacteria in your mouth combine with particles from the foods you eat. It then sticks to your teeth and along your gumline. The best way to disrupt plaque is with daily brushing and flossing. Skipping out on these habits, however, practically invites the bacteria in plaque to wreak havoc on your oral health.
The Dangers of Plaque
If you don’t brush and floss for even one day, plaque can harden into a substance known as tartar. While plaque can be removed with your normal toothbrush and floss, only your dentist in Columbia can get rid of tartar.
The bacteria in tartar then begin attacking your teeth and the structures keeping them anchored to your gums. This results in a significantly increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Gum disease in particular has been linked to a whole host of other health issues, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. That’s why you’re going to want to keep plaque accumulation at bay as much as possible.
How to Prevent Plaque Buildup
Fortunately, plaque prevention is actually pretty easy if you stick to the following tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens the teeth against decay caused by plaque.
- Floss at least once daily to remove bits of food and plaque between your teeth.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash every day to clean the areas of your mouth that your brush and floss can’t reach.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
- Eat a mouth-healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit the number of between-meal snacks you have.
- Ask your dentist if dental sealants are right for you. Sealants are a thin, plastic-like coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to prevent decay.
Now you understand the hidden dangers of plaque accumulation and how to prevent it. When in doubt, it never hurts to visit your dentist more often!
About the Author
Dr. Victor Beck, Jr. has been serving patients in the Columbia, TN community for the past 40 years. Each year, he dedicated hundreds of hours to post-graduate education courses to stay abreast of the latest technologies and techniques that modern dentistry has to offer. He has given more than 100 presentations at various assemblies and gatherings in the dental field. To learn more about how you can prevent plaque buildup, you can contact Dr. Beck at (931) 388-8452.