Plaque: the arch enemy of dentists and orthodontists alike. You’ve likely heard the term many times and have a general idea of what it is, but our dentists in the Chicago Loop want to further educate you about plaque and the steps you can take to combat it.
What is Plaque?
Bacteria naturally lives inside your mouth, but too much of it can be a bad thing. If bacteria build up, a sticky biofilm can develop on your teeth that is called plaque. When plaque is left untreated, it can turn into more serious issues like tartar. The bacteria can mix with sugars and feed off it, allowing plaque to linger in hard-to-reach areas in your mouth.
What’s the Big Deal?
Don’t get us wrong; plaque is normal, but it’s how you combat plaque that makes a big difference in your dental health. It’s important to stop the development of plaque in its tracks before it solidifies into tartar. The acid from bacteria can cause your teeth enamel to wear down and cause tooth decay and cavities. You’ll notice your teeth are a yellow, brown color, which is both unpleasant to look at but also painful for your gums.
Treating Plaque
If you’re proactive about your dental health, avoiding plaque isn’t extremely difficult. Make
sure you are brushing twice per day and flossing once a day to reduce plaque buildup. You may
also consider using mouthwash or chewing a piece of sugar free gum for 20 minutes to prevent
decay and cavities.
If you have questions about plaque or are concerned about plaque buildup in your mouth,
schedule an appointment with our dentists in the Chicago Loop today!
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/plaque-and-tartar/plaque-on-teeth-
causes-and-treatment-0515