At Parkcrest Dental Group, we want you to take great care of your teeth. Your daily oral hygiene routine should include brushing and flossing to remove food on and in between your teeth to prevent acid and plaque from forming. Today’s blog from Parkcrest Dental Group answers two questions: What is plaque? How does plaque form?
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What Is Plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria that forms on the outer layer of your teeth. Plaque forms constantly on your teeth, which is why you need to brush and floss every day while avoiding sugary foods. This sticky film may also develop under the gums and along the roots of your teeth.
How Does Plaque Form?
Plaque forms on your teeth when naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods. Think milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta, fruit, and even potatoes and french fries. Bacteria release acids that break down carbs, but they can also cling to teeth by forming a colorless, sticky film.
How Do You Get Rid of Dental Plaque?
The easiest way to get rid of dental plaque is to brush at least twice a day and floss to remove plaque from in between your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss every day, plaque will build up on your teeth. The Parkcrest Dental team can show you how to brush and floss for optimal results.
What Happens If You Don’t Brush?
The complications of plaque build-up vary. The first one you notice occurs when your teeth feel fuzzy after a few days.
Over time, these complications can develop if you don’t brush to remove the plaque:
- Tartar, a yellowy discoloration, forms a hard-to-remove layer on your teeth
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Cavities
- Tooth decay and loss
- Infections of the teeth or gums
Our best advice: Brush and floss every day to prevent these long-term complications. The friendly staff at Parkcrest Dental Group can remove tartar with our special tools during regular check-ups and cleanings every six months.
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Dental Care by Parkcrest Dental Group
If you notice yellowy build-up on your teeth, you’re overdue for a dental appointment! The friendly staff at Parkcrest Dental Group can perform a dental cleaning, which we recommend every six months, to get rid of tartar build-up caused by too much plaque. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
