We know it\u2019s not the most attractive topic, tooth plaque. But the truth is that tooth plaque is part of our daily lives. Trying to prevent the development of tooth plaque is the primary reason we brush and floss our teeth every day. Preventing it keeps our teeth strong and healthy and helps keep our breath smelling fresh and clean. Yet when we don\u2019t adhere to our oral health routine, tooth plaque can get out of control even after one day. Read on to better understand what you need to know about tooth plaque and why you should make it a daily goal to keep it away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s start with the obvious: tooth plaque<\/a> is not good. It is that sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. The stuff makes your teeth feel fuzzy when you wake up or forget to brush your teeth. But the problem is, when you forget to brush, that plaque turns into tartar or calculus, and only your dentist can get rid of it at that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaque forms when the bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods. This means that even the most common foods and beverages you enjoy daily, such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta, and fruit, can cause damage to your teeth, especially if you don\u2019t practice good oral hygiene. These bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates in the foods and beverages you don\u2019t consume. When you neglect to brush your teeth after eating or drinking, or at least twice daily, that combination of bacteria, acids, and carbohydrates mix into a sticky, colorless film, called plaque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can think of tooth plaque somewhat like a town with all the residents having their own job. Mature bacteria have the job of sticking to the teeth<\/a>; some bacteria form tubes where nutrients are transported, and other bacteria dissolve dental enamel to produce energy to feed the plaque. When these bacteria are left to their own devices, they aren\u2019t harmful to your teeth. But once they\u2019re organized as plaque, they can have serious and not-so-friendly consequences on oral health. Tooth plaque can cause disease in as little as 24 hours after forming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When we don\u2019t take care of our teeth through a good daily oral hygiene routine and regular trips to the dentist<\/a>, it can have some pretty harsh consequences on our oral health. As mentioned above, tooth plaque can cause disease in just one day. It can eat away at your dental enamel, causing tooth decay. Plus, plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis or severe periodontal disease. When the plaque hardens into tartar (also called dental calculus), its bacteria can cause bad breath and cause your teeth to turn yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking steps to prevent plaque build-up must be part of your daily priorities. Here is what you can do to keep dental plaque to a minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe repercussions of tooth plaque on your oral health.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Schedule your next dental appointment with Compass Dental Group.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n