Plaque – a term commonly echoed in dental offices, yet its true nature often remains shrouded in mystery for many. If your mouth were a cinematic universe, the plaque would be the mustache-twirling villain in every film. But what is it exactly?
If you want to defeat the antagonist of your mouth once and for all, you’ll need to demask it. Continue reading and unravel the secrets of plaque and learn how to become a true dental hero.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. This biofilm contains bacteria, saliva, and remnants of food, creating a breeding ground for dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.
How Does Plaque Form?
The villain doesn’t simply pop into existence, rather, they are formed by a process.
- Bacterial Colonization: Oral bacteria naturally reside in the mouth, and when left undisturbed, they form colonies on teeth.
- Food Particle Interaction: Bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates from food, producing acid as a byproduct.
- Sticky Biofilm Formation: The acid, along with saliva and food debris, forms the sticky biofilm that adheres to tooth surfaces.
How Does Plaque Affect My Oral Health?
Plaque’s impact on your oral health cannot be overstated. It causes many dental conditions such as:
- Cavities: Acid produced by plaque bacteria erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
- Gingivitis: Plaque at the gumline can infect the gum tissue. This causes inflammation, irritation, and bleeding.
- Periodontal Disease: Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. If left untreated, this severe gum disease can cause tooth loss and bone deterioration in your jaw.
How Can I Prevent Plaque?
There are many ways that you can effectively prevent plaque, or clean it away once it’s formed. It’s important to do this for your continued dental health. Here are some of the best ways to prevent plaque build-up:
- Brushing: Regular brushing, at least twice a day, helps remove plaque from tooth surfaces.
- Flossing: This reaches areas between teeth where a toothbrush may not effectively clean. Be sure to floss every night before bed for best results.
- Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria. Stay away from mouthwashes with alcohol as it can dry out your mouth and have the opposite effect.
- Dental Checkups: Regular dental visits for professional cleanings are incredible in aiding plaque control. They are sometimes necessary if the plaque hardens.
Understanding the enemy – plaque – can help you take proactive measures for a healthier smile. By adopting a diligent oral care routine and seeking regular dental checkups, you can effectively combat plaque and pave the way for optimal oral health. As the protagonist of your dental story, defeat the villain in chapter one!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling has been practicing dentistry for over 40 years. Even after all that time, his favorite part of his job remains the people he meets. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He continues to stay up to date on the latest dental technology and techniques through multiple professional organizations. To schedule an appointment at Thomas A. Gromling, DDS, call (540) 869-4377 or visit the website to explore other services.