We at Inner Banks Dental have released an article that explains what plaque is, how it causes damage to teeth, and what you can do to keep it under control.
Inner Banks Dental has published an article that defines what dental plaque is and how it negatively affects your oral health. Those of you who are concerned about your oral health and other interested individuals can view our full article at https://innerbanksdental.com/what-is-dental-plaque/
You’ve heard that you need to brush and floss to keep dental plaque at bay, but what is it? How does it cause damage? And how do you know if you have plaque in your mouth? Here, we'll help you learn more about this sticky substance and what you can do to keep it under control.
What Is Plaque Made From?
When saliva, food debris, and bacteria mix together, it produces plaque, which is a sticky, colorless substance that adheres to your teeth. Most of the time, you can’t see plaque; if it’s allowed to build up, however, you’ll notice a whitish substance on your teeth. That’s plaque. If the substance is allowed to harden, it turns into a hard coating called tartar, which can range in color from yellow to black. That is what your dental hygienist scrapes off during your biannual cleanings.
Why Is Plaque a Problem?
You can probably agree that plaque is a problem in terms of aesthetics and odor; when you brush your teeth, they look and smell substantially better because you are removing the plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Aside from just cosmetic issues, however, plaque can really wreak havoc with your oral health.
As it collects between teeth and in the grooves of your molars, the bacteria can literally eat away at your tooth structure, causing decay known as dental cavities. If these cavities are not treated, they will spread into the nerve of your tooth; this will cause a toothache that requires a root canal or an extraction.
Plaque is also responsible for gingivitis, which can lead to the more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This condition can lead to infections and tooth loss. There is even some evidence that gum disease can lead to heart problems and issues for diabetics, so it’s best for your overall health to keep your plaque under control.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 252-946-2131 or click our link above.
