What Is Plaque And Why Is It Bad For Your Teeth?

If you forget to brush your teeth one morning, chances are you have seen and felt the plaque on your teeth. Plaque can be detrimental to teeth in a variety of ways. The following is some information about plaque and how it can impact your oral health:

What Is in Plaque?

While you have likely seen plaque, you may not realize where it comes from. After you eat or drink, the bacteria that is in your mouth will begin to look for any leftover sugars or food left on the teeth. The bacteria digest these sugars and foods and produce plaque as an effect. The plaque will then stick to your teeth, especially near the gums. This is why it is crucial that you brush after each meal.

What Can Plaque Do to Teeth?

Plaque is acidic and can severely hurt the teeth. The acid in the plaque will wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause inflammation in your gums. Plaque can cause cavities, tooth decay, bad breath, gingivitis, tartar buildup, and more.

If you do not remove plaque and instead allow it to remain on the teeth, you could eventually lose the tooth and suffer additional health problems.

How Do You Avoid Plaque?

There is no way to prevent the appearance of plaque, but there are some ways you can keep it at bay as much as possible. The first line of defense is a good oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth at least in the morning and before bed. Ideally, you should brush every time you eat. You should also floss daily. This will remove any plaque where your toothbrush cannot reach, especially close to your gums. Using mouthwash can also help loosen plaque and make it easier to remove.

You can also ingest less sugar and carbohydrates. While plaque will appear after you eat any sort of food, it is especially prolific after eating these types of foods because bacteria thrive on sugar.

You should also consider eating less during the day. By no means should you go hungry, but if you snack all day long, chances are you will not always brush after each time you eat. If you can cut down snacking and just fill up during your meal times, you can cut down on the amount of plaque buildup on your teeth.

The absolute best way to deal with plaque and any issues is to see your dentist regularly. You should go in for regular cleanings to evaluate the health of your teeth and remove plaque and tarter. Contact local dental services to learn more. 


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