Throughout the day, it is easy for people to feel build-up on their teeth. It is especially apparent after eating, but that sticky film forming on teeth is called dental plaque. This natural occurrence can be brushed and flossed away pretty easily, as long as people stay on top of things. However, after just 48 hours, dental plaque can begin to harden and lay the groundwork for some serious damage. For Emergency Dentists call Seven Oak Dental Centre.
What Can Dental Plaque Do?
Buildup of dental plaque that is left untended can start to really do some serious harm. Sugar and starch in particular can really do damage to a person’s mouth, because the bacteria in turn begins to release acids that directly attack tooth enamel.
Once tooth enamel is attacked for a long period of time, tooth decay can begin. That is when there starts to become a genuine chance that completely tooth loss could happen down the road. Dental plaque can do more and more damage the longer it is left alone.
Not only can dental plaque damage teeth, but gums are vulnerable as well. Gingivitis is perhaps the first sign for people that they have gum issues from plaque, as their gums swell and even bleed. If that begins to chronically happen, it is the beginning stage of full gum disease. The tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, destroying everything underneath.
Finally, there are links to health issues in other parts of the body to dental plaque build up. This includes heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and even dementia. Many doctors believe that oral bacteria can hurt other major organs by escaping into the bloodstream.
Plaque Prevention
Preventing dental plaque buildup is a constant struggle, but there are ways to handle it on a daily basis. This will not only lead to a healthy mouth, but also a brighter smile. People just tend to feel better about themselves overall with a healthy mouth.
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, but some people recommend doing so after every meal if possible. This is the most fundamental way to prevent harmful plaque, because it scrapes it off of teeth. Along with brushing, floss gets those areas that brushes struggle with. Plaque can build between teeth pretty easily if it is not addressed.
A healthy diet can help with so many health issues, and fighting against dental plaque is one of them. Plaque forms from bacteria in the mouth, and most unhealthy foods increases plaque build up. The biggest culprit? Sugars and starches.
Finally, plaque prevention isn’t complete without making time for regular dental cleanings. Dentists are able to remove plaque that might be in tough spots, assess your current brushing/flossing habits and check for any damage that needs attention. Most dentists recommend that a check up every six months can provide a ton of benefits for people looking to avoid any serious oral issues.