What is Dental Plaque?

If you have ever run your tongue over your teeth and felt a rough substance, that is dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that forms on the teeth and gums. Plaque buildup can lead to dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. 

The good news is that regular brushing, flossing, routine dental checkups, and cleanings can help prevent plaque buildup and maintain good oral health.

The Cause of Plaque Buildup

The first step to achieving your perfect smile is to brush and floss consistently. We recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once each day. 

Brushing removes plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease, while flossing cleans the hard-to-reach spaces between teeth and along the gumline. Staying consistent helps prevent decay before it starts.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay Caused by Plaque Buildup

When dental plaque is left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health problems, such as periodontal disease. The following are a few common signs that plaque has turned into decay, and you should see a local dental professional as soon as possible:

Pain When plaque hardens and turns into tartar, it can cause a sharp and sudden pain. The pain is often triggered by hot or cold food and drinks. 

Discoloration Tooth decay can also look like yellow, brown, or black stains on the tooth’s surface. This happens when bacteria break down the enamel, leading to discoloration.

Tooth sensitivity Plaque can also cause tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. The sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin, the layer of tissue beneath the enamel.

Dr. Spitzer, in Costa Mesa, CA and his team of dental professionals are experts in treating all forms of tooth decay and specialize in dental care for Orange County residents. 

Treating & Preventing Dental Plaque Buildup

Good dental hygiene and health routines are the best way to prevent and treat dental plaque.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Daily

Brush your teeth for 2 minutes 2 times a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss between your teeth daily to remove debris from between your teeth. 

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste is vital for plaque control because it not only helps physically remove plaque but also chemically disrupts the bacteria’s process of breaking down sugar into acid. Fluoride toothpaste helps create a protective, acid-resistant layer that prevents plaque from harming teeth.

Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is used to remove plaque by containing active ingredients that kill bacteria, reduce plaque buildup, and prevent gingivitis. Using mouthwash alongside your brushing and flossing routine helps provide a deeper clean. Mouthwash reaches hard-to-access areas to loosen food particles, reduces bacteria that cause bad breath, and helps prevent gum disease. 

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental visits, usually every 6 months, allow dental professionals to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the enamel before they cause significant damage. Visiting the dentist regularly enables early detection of potential issues, such as cavities or gum disease. By catching these problems early, treatments can be less invasive and more effective.

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Let Dr. Michael J. Spitzer, DDS, and Team Help Keep Your Plaque and Tartar Under Control. 

The best way to treat and prevent dental plaque is to follow a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing, using fluoride toothpaste, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings. These steps can help keep your mouth healthy and stop dental plaque from forming.

Contact Dr. Michael J. Spitzer’s office today to schedule a dental checkup to ensure your oral health is where it needs to be.