Plaque is one of your teeth’s biggest enemies. It’s something you’ve likely heard about during visits to our dental office, while shopping for dental care products, or even from our dentist in Auburn. Plaque buildup can cause a host of dental problems, but with the right care, you can easily prevent it. Here’s what you need to know about plaque and how you can protect your smile.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If you skip brushing or flossing for too long, you may notice a buildup on your teeth. While plaque is a natural occurrence, it’s important to manage it properly through daily dental hygiene to prevent problems.
What Does Plaque Look Like?
Though plaque itself is colorless, it gives your teeth a fuzzy or film-like appearance. Plaque attracts food particles, which can cause discoloration over time. If not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar, which has a yellowish hue and can contribute to tooth staining.
The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar
- Plaque: A soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth after eating or drinking.
- Tartar: When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist and often requires professional cleaning.
As tartar builds up, it becomes more difficult to remove and can cause other oral issues, like bad breath and tooth decay.
How Plaque Affects Your Teeth and Mouth
If plaque is left untreated, it can lead to a variety of dental problems, including:
- Tooth decay: Plaque produces acids that attack the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities.
- Gingivitis: Plaque buildup at the gum line can cause gingivitis, resulting in red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
- Tartar formation: If plaque is not removed, it turns into tartar, which can only be eliminated by professional cleaning.
Regular brushing and flossing are essential in preventing plaque buildup, but only professional cleanings can remove hardened tartar.
How to Prevent Plaque Buildup
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing plaque. Here are some essential steps to help keep your smile healthy:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line.
- Visit our dentist regularly: Regular checkups and cleanings are essential for plaque removal and overall oral health.
- Brush gently along the gum line: Be sure to brush gently to avoid damaging your gums, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Schedule a Visit with Our Dentist in Auburn
Plaque is a natural part of your dental routine, but with consistent care, you can manage it and protect your smile. If you’re concerned about plaque buildup or need a professional cleaning, our dentist in Auburn is here to help. Contact us at Mount Auburn Dental to schedule your next appointment and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!