Chances are that you don’t think about the plaque on your teeth and gums very often. But, in many ways, it’s the culprit behind just about every kind of dental problem. And the longer it’s in your mouth, the more damage it does! That’s why plaque control is such an important part of your dental health. Keep reading below to learn how plaque impacts you over the long-term. You’ll also get strategies to reduce it and see why regular cleanings from a dentist in Severna Park are so important.
How Does Plaque Buildup Affect You Over the Long-Term?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that’s comprised of saliva, food debris, and hundreds of types of bacteria. Since it has a soft texture, it can be removed at home with a toothbrush and floss. If it remains on the teeth too long, however, it hardens and turns into tartar, which has a rough, cement-like texture. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
The various types of bacteria in plaque and tartar lead to all of the following oral health problems (the longer it’s on your teeth, the higher the risks):
- Cavities – Plaque contains a type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans that directly causes cavities. It lives off of residual sugars and carbohydrates in your mouth and excretes acid that eats away at your enamel.
- Gum disease – Another type of bacteria in plaque called Porphyromonas gingivalis causes inflammation of the gums (also known as gingivitis). As time goes on, untreated gingivitis can develop into advanced gum disease, which is the leading causes of tooth loss. An estimated 65 million Americans have this condition.
- Gum-related general health problems – Many studies have shown a strong link between gum disease and the following diseases: Stroke, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, certain cancers, pregnancy complications, and diabetes.
- Bad breath – Without good oral hygiene habits, plaque accumulates around the teeth, under the gumline, and on the tongue. This causes a buildup of odor-causing bacteria that leads to bad breath.
What’s the Best Way To Reduce Plaque?
Unfortunately, plaque and tartar accumulate on a daily basis and you can’t always eliminate it entirely. But by being consistent with the basics of oral hygiene, you can keep it to a minimum:
- Brush gently but thoroughly – First, brush at least twice a day with light pressure, for a full 2 minutes. You may also want to consider an electric toothbrush, which automatically stays on for 2 minutes and gives you thousands of brush strokes per minute. There are options available at every price point at many stores.
- Floss once a day – Even outstanding brushing only removes about 2/3 of the plaque in your mouth because toothbrush bristles simply can’t reach the rest. Aim to floss once a day and don’t give up if you aren’t perfect about it. Some flossing is much better than none!
- Schedule professional cleanings – Regular checkups and cleanings will remove the plaque and tartar that you can’t remove at home. You’ll also get personalized tips to help improve your brushing and flossing routine.
By managing the plaque and tartar in your mouth, you’ll have fresher breath, need less dental work, and even keep your entire body healthier. Considering that it only requires a small investment of time each day (and a couple of dental visits per year), your efforts will be well worth it!
About the Author
Dr. Devon Conklin is a family dentist in Severna Park and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She knows that good oral health depends on professional cleanings and good habits at home and always gives patients easy tips for better plaque control. If you have any questions about reducing plaque and tartar, she can be reached via her website.