What To Know About Plaque

At Parkside Dental Care, we know many of our patients are concerned about developing decay and other oral health problems. Do you know what it is that causes cavities and other issues such as gum disease? It’s plaque! We want to share some important information about plaque to help you improve your oral health.

What is Plaque?

Each time you eat and drink, new bacteria are introduced into your mouth. Any bacteria that remain on your teeth create a coating that feels like a sticky or fuzzy film. This film on your teeth is plaque. Plaque can be found on your teeth, between your teeth, along the gumline, and even under the gumline. When plaque remains on your teeth and gums for too long, it can lead to decay and gum disease.

What Causes Plaque?

Plaque adheres to teeth when an overabundance of bacteria remains in your mouth. Plaque is commonly caused by:

• Diet high in sugary and starchy foods
• Smoking and using tobacco products
• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Dry mouth

How to Remove and Prevent Plaque?

The easiest way to remove most of the plaque from your mouth is to maintain an oral hygiene routine you follow daily. We recommend brushing a minimum of two minutes twice per day as well as using dental floss at least once per day. Dental floss is necessary to help remove any lingering plaque that remains between teeth and along the gumline that is difficult for a toothbrush to reach. We also remove any lingering plaque during your routine hygiene examinations and cleanings.

In addition to properly cleaning your teeth, there are other ways you can help prevent plaque buildup. One of the best ways is to drink plenty of water, especially while eating. Chewing sugarless gum is also helpful. It is also best to stick to a diet of healthy foods and reduce your consumption of sugary, starchy foods.

If you are in need of a hygiene examination and cleaning, be sure to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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