Dental care is one of the most important aspects of your general health. You have to be aware of the fact that without proper care, your teeth can be more exposed to plaque and other problems. Plaque, being the most common dental problem, can happen to anyone. So, what is plaque and how is it formed? Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that can form on your teeth as a layer. When your teeth feel a bit fuzzy to your tongue, it is probably because of the plaque. This is most noticeable when you have not brushed.
What is Plaque and How is it Formed?
So, what is plaque and how is it formed? Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms as a layer on your teeth as a result of not brushing.
- How is Plaque Formed?
Almost everyone develops plaque. Bacteria is constantly forming in your mouth. All of these bacteria use some of the ingredients in your mouth along with saliva to grow. The plaque is mainly developed when the foods that contain starches and sugars are left on the teeth. These foods can be soft drinks, cakes, candies, raisins and milk. Bacteria present in your mouth thrive on these foods and can cause cavities. As a result, they also produce some acids. Over time, these plaques can develop on the teeth as well as on the tooth roots. Slowly, the plaque results in breaking down the bones responsible for supporting the teeth.
- How to Know if Plaque is Forming?
Almost everyone develops plaque because of the bacteria present in your mouth. The bacteria constantly attack your teeth, thus forming an acid. This acid attack can make your tooth enamel weak causing it to break down. It may eventually form a cavity. So, if you are having sugary or starchy food all the time, then the chances are quite high that you will get plaque. If you notice swollen gums or a black layer on the teeth, then the plaque is surely forming.
- How to Prevent Formation of Plaque?
It is important to prevent the formation of plaque in order to stop tooth decaying. Here are some of the steps that you can take when preventing the plague:
- Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a rounded tip and soft bristled toothbrush. While brushing, pay minute attention to the gaps and spaces in the gums. Also be sure to remove your wisdom teeth to prevent any sores or bacteria building up in areas where you can reach with a toothbrush.
- Besides just brushing, it is also important to floss the teeth at least once every day. This can remove the food residues and particles that can cause the growth of bacteria.
- You must use one of the best antibacterial mouth rinses for reducing the bacteria that can cause gum diseases and plaque.
- You must eat a healthy balanced diet and limit the amount of candies and sugary foods you have. Choosing nutritious foods like fruits, yogurts and vegetables can help the saliva to neutralize the acids that cause plaque and can also help with your health.
Conclusion
So,what is plaque and how is it formed? Then, you probably have got the answer. You need to make sure that you take the essential steps to prevent the buildup of plaque. For better suggestions and treatments, you need to visit an experienced dental expert or dentist to ensure that your dental hygiene doesn’t affect your overall health.