What Dental Plaque actually is? Well, when a very sticky, colorless, or pale yellow deposit of film begins to build constantly on your teeth, it is known as Dental plaque.

When your food, fluids, and saliva come in contact with each other, it develops plaque. It is formed of bacteria – producing between your teeth and also along your gum line. This, in turn, can spoil your tooth enamel and gums as well.

Scientists explain plaque as a “biofilm” because it is a group of living microbes wrapped by a sticky polymer film. The gluey coating lets the microbes stick to surfaces inside your mouth so that they gradually can advance into strong microcolonies. Plaque is generally visible when you don’t brush or floss your teeth in an appropriate way.

Causes

Bacteria and other microbes may get inside your mouth while you eat, drink, or even breathe.
When you have carbohydrates or sugary food items and drinks, such as milk, soft drinks, juice, and fruit, bacteria feed on the sugars. This in fact further leads to forming acids during the process. Those acids, later on, create complications such as cavities, gingivitis, and may lead to tooth decay.
If you smoke frequently then that can create plaque too! If plaque is kept untreated, it can finally advance into tartar.

Symptoms for Dental Plaque

Your teeth will feel fuzzy
You will find bleeding and receding gums
Foul breath coming from your mouth (Halitosis)
Red, tender, and swollen gums that starts to bleed after you brush or even floss

Treatment Process

Your dentist can examine plaque with the help of a tiny mirror during your dental visit. He/she will perform a Dental Cleaning procedure to get rid of plaque.

How to Prevent Plaque formation?

Brush your teeth twice every day for a minimum of 2-3 minutes.
Use only a soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush. Certain dentists advise using electric toothbrushes. They have proved to be more efficient to clean plaque.
Purchase toothpaste that includes baking soda or Fluoride.
Thoroughly and minutely clean the spaces, particularly where your gums and teeth meet.

Floss once a day. It’s best to do it before bedtime.
Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash but of course with the dentist’s recommendation. This decreases the growth of bacteria that causes plaque or other gum diseases.
Go for regular visits to your dentist for a check-up and teeth cleaning.
Follow a properly balanced diet and try to cut down on the number of between-meal snacks. Vegetables, for example, celery, can wipe away food particles. Celery also allows saliva to neutralize plaque-causing acids.

When you introduce all these healthy oral habits in your daily regime, then you will definitely be able to fight plaque, before they start to ruin your oral hygiene and gorgeous smile!

Get the Help you need!

You can get in touch with South Airdrie Smiles if you want to receive the best dental cleaning in Airdrie, AB for your dental plaque. Our trusted dentist in Airdrie goes above and beyond to offer our patients top-quality treatment for any of their dental complications along with optimal comfort.