Why are my teeth yellow…Why do I have bad mouth breath…Why do my gums bleed while brushing tooth…Why do I have a metallic taste in the mouth… and many more questions are frequently been asked?. The answer is simple it’s due to the plaque that forms over some time. So now the question is what is plaque, how is it formed, how does it affect the teeth and gums, and then how should one get rid of it?
What is Dental Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless biofilm that is formed by the aggregation of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, food deposit, and the content of saliva. Most of the time, a delicate balance exist in the oral cavity, but the problem arises when this balance is disturbed and certain bacterial become overabundant. These bacteria utilize the carbs and sugar from the food thereby producing acid which can further cause problems like cavities, gingivitis, and other forms of tooth decay.
Different types of Dental Plaque
Plaque is basically of two types: Supragingival and Subgingival It is important to know the difference between both. supragingival plaque is usually the plaque that is formed above the gingival margin and subgingival plaque is one that forms below the gingival margin Plaque that is above gingival margin can be easily detected and can be removed by a simple procedure., it is the plaque beneath the gingival margin that is the root cause of many oral conditions and other related systemic problems that most of the people in India are unaware.
How does plaque affect your teeth?
Plaque formation and interaction with the food also produce acid that tends to erode the enamel resulting in the cavity formation. Over some time if plaque is not removed it gradually mineralizes to form calculus which is difficult to remove and is
the cause of gingivitis that is inflammation of gums, receding gums, and Periodontitis (‘ attr(href) ‘) (pyorrhea). Research has also shown that these plaque have a major role in coronary heart disease, stroke, pregnancy, diabetes, and other
major systemic diseases.
“So remember that maintaining good oral hygiene benefits not only your mouth but also your overall health”.
How can you reduce dental plaque?
Dental plaque is usually formed when certain types of food contribute to higher growth of bacteria especially food that is high in carbohydrates, sugar, and starches, this includes milk, soft drink, candy, and fruits. If these food particles after eating are leftover teeth surface and are removed immediately by brushing they tend to lead to bacterial accumulation and acid formation which ultimately affects tooth in various forms. To prevent plaque formation, make sure you have a balanced diet and limit the amount of sticky food or snacks. Some vegetables are a rich source of fiber and tend to increase saliva flow thereby helping in neutralizing plaque-causing acids. Vis Dental Clinic for a regular checkup. Most of the People are not aware of the importance of regular dental checkups.
How do you get rid of Dental Plaque?
Plaque is controlled by brushing and flossing daily at home and during regular cleaning from your dentist.
Following steps shall ensure plaque prevention and removal:
1. Brush thoroughly twice a day for at least 3.5 min to ensure plaque removal from all surfaces of your teeth.
2. Floss daily to remove deposits from between your teeth and below the gum.
3. Avoid sticky and starchy food if possible.
4. Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleaning and dental examination.
5. Visit Periodontist, if you find it very critical. call Now: +91 9762126132
Now when you are aware of frequent dental visits and appointment you can book your appointment at the nearest dental clinic in Pune.
