We’ve all heard about plaque. Our general dentistry practitioners tell us that we have plaque build-up, the mouthwash commercials we see promise to blast plaque away, and we’re told that brushing and flossing regularly will keep plaque to a minimum.

But what the heck IS plaque, and why is it such a danger to our teeth?

What Plaque Is

Plaque is a soft, colorless biofilm that continually forms on our teeth and gums. It is mainly made of bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth. Plaque by itself is a perfectly natural part of your mouth’s chemistry and not inherently harmful. However, when plaque combines with sugars in your mouth or is allowed to build up to the extent that it produces its own bacteria, it becomes the bane of general dentistry.

What Plaque Does

When combined with the bacteria in your mouth, plaque produces acid that can seriously damage your teeth and gums. The reason your general dentistry practitioner cautions against sugary foods when you’re trying to keep your teeth healthy is because bacteria form easily from those sugars. Sugar = bacteria = plaque acid. The acid breaks down your tooth enamel, which leaves your teeth open to decay.

If you don’t get rid of the plaque in your mouth daily, it hardens into tartar. You’ve heard of tartar-control toothpaste? If you don’t allow the plaque in your mouth to age, it won’t calcify and turn into tartar. Tartar does all the same damage plaque does, but it can be harder to remove because it is no longer soft.

As if all that weren’t enough, it can also contribute to gingivitis and bad breath.

How to Prevent Plaque Build-Up

Your general dentistry practices are your best defense against plaque: brushing and flossing properly and getting regular dental check-ups. You can also keep plaque from getting the sugars it needs to produce the enamel-destroying acids by keeping your diet low in sugars and carbohydrates. You may also consider carrying a spare toothbrush around and doing a quick brush job after you eat things that have sugar in them.

One Response to “General Dentistry Secrets: What Is Plaque, Anyway?”

1. Kylie Batt Says:
   April 20th, 2010 at 8:58 am

   Замечательно, весьма ценный ответ…

   Администратор But what the heck IS plaque, and why is it such a danger to our teeth? What […….

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