What Is a Plaque and How Do I Get Rid of It?

Dental plaque affects everyone. When bacteria in the mouth react with sweet or starchy foods, a sticky film forms on the teeth. Plaque is removed with tooth brushing and flossing. Cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss can be caused by plaque. Woodruff Family Dental in Jonesboro, AR, offers regular dental checkups to eliminate plaque and safeguard teeth.

What Is a Dental Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that grows on teeth all the time. After you eat or drink, bacteria in plaque develop acids that have the potential to damage tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease.

Plaque can also form beneath the gums on tooth roots, weakening the bones that support teeth. Plaque left untreated can harden into difficult-to-remove tartar. Plaque is removed with proper oral hygiene, which includes frequent brushing and flossing.

What Causes Dental Plaque?

Plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth react with sugary or starchy foods, such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta, and fruit. These bacteria produce acids that degrade carbohydrates in food and beverages. If you do not clean your teeth immediately after eating or drinking, bacteria, acids, and carbohydrates can combine to form a sticky, white coating known as plaque.

Effective Ways To Remove Dental Plaque

Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal 

Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day. To remove the yellowish coating, use soft-bristled toothbrushes and circular motions from all angles. 

Oil Pulling

Swishing your mouth with oil, commonly known as oil pulling, is a traditional method of eliminating plaque from teeth. This method not only removes plaque but also relieves toothache, bleeding gums, irritated gums, and prevents tooth decay.

Plaque Control Toothpaste

To prevent or treat dental plaque, use plaque or tartar control toothpaste daily. Several kinds of toothpaste with higher concentrations of substances such as zinc sulfate, fluoride, and pyrophosphates are available, which not only prevent plaque build-up but also wash away mouth microorganisms.

How Can I Prevent Plaque Formation?

Plaque accumulation, according to Woodruff Family Dental in Jonesboro, AR, can be easily avoided by following the given advice.

• At least twice a day, brush all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly.
• Every day, use floss, water flossers, or another tool to clean between your teeth and beneath your gum line.
• Limit your intake of sugary or starchy foods and drinks, especially snacks.
• Visit your dentist and dental hygienist regularly.

Call us at (870) 972-8190 or schedule an appointment online for the best dental care and experience.