Plaque is sneaky. It lurks where you can’t see it, between your teeth and along your gums. When plaque lingers too long, it can lead to cavities and gum disease. Cavities are small holes in your teeth that can be painful and must be repaired by a dentist. Periodontitis can make your gums swollen and red, and it might even cause your teeth to fall out! And that’s why it’s crucial to remove plaque before it has a chance to become problematic.
How do you maintain a healthy and strong smile? The trick is to actually brush your teeth every morning and night and floss once a day. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, and flossing removes plaque from between your teeth where your brush can’t go. And don’t forget to keep your teeth strong and to help protect against cavities by using fluoride toothpaste.
Healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, also help keep plaque away. Eat fewer sugary snacks and drinks, because sugar can feed the germs that make plaque. You want to be taking sips of water throughout the day, as well. It assists in rinsing away food particles and helps to clean your mouth.
Plaque is not only bad for your teeth – it also can sneakily lead to gum disease. Plaque on your gums can cause them to swell and bleed. This early phase of gum disease is called gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can become a more serious gum disease called periodontitis that results in tooth loss.
Plaque on your teeth is the enemy if you want to prevent gum disease. - Brushing and flossing daily is crucial, as well as seeing your dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can also scrape away any plaque that’s been tough to reach to help keep your gums healthy and your smile bright.
Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home, you still have to see a dentist for a professional cleaning. Your dentist will use special instruments to get rid of plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth and gums and that you can’t budge at home. Tartar is plaque that has hardened so that only a dentist can take it off.
While you’re getting your cleaning, your dentist is going to perform a check of the teeth for cavities or signs of gum disease. And if they spot anything amiss, they can address those issues before they grow worse. So don’t forget about your dental checkups – they are necessary to keep your teeth healthy and your smile shining.