You probably know about dental plaque. You probably know it’s bad for you. But do you know exactly what it is that dental plaque does to your teeth, and how it works? In this week’s blog, we’ll talk about the ins and outs of how plaque forms, how it hurts your teeth, and how you can prevent in from doing so!
Brush your teeth to get rid of dental plaque!
Dental Plaque
It Starts with Bacteria
There’s lots of bacteria in your mouth. These are good bacteria that break down food in your mouth so it’s easier for your stomach to digest it.
But on the other hand, there’s a problem with these bacteria. As they break down food, they produce acids. Certain foods cause them to make more of these acids. Sugars and starches are two of the big culprits.
Acids Coat Your Teeth
These acids like to form a coating on your teeth. This is called dental plaque, and is also known as a biofilm.
They Eat at Enamel
Once the acids are on your teeth, they start to eat away at the enamel. Enamel is the toughest substance in your body, but these acids are tougher. Over time, they wear away the enamel and expose the layer underneath the enamel, called the dentin.
Tooth Decay
This process is known as tooth decay. It leads to a number of problems. These include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Infections
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
How do I reduce dental plaque?
Dental plaque is a natural phenomenon, and is a byproduct of the important process of digestion, which begins in your mouth. Fortunately, it’s very easy to reduce the buildup of dental plaque on your teeth, and prevent tooth decay!
First, brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Choose a toothbrush that fits the size and shape of your mouth. Use an anti-microbial fluoride toothpaste.
Second, floss once a day. Your toothbrush can clean many surfaces, but it can’t clean in between your teeth. Floss can. When you floss, make sure to floss both above and below the gum line, and constantly keep the floss conformed to the shape of the tooth.
For more information on dental plaque, dental health, and good dental health practices, contact Olney Dental today!
Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.