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WHAT LEADS TO DENTAL PLAQUE FORMATION & HOW TO PREVENT IT? – ELITE DENTAL CARE

You would have heard the dentist tell that there is a plaque formation in your teeth. It is a sticky film of bacteria that gets formed on your teeth. It is quite a common thing in people’s dental line-up. But what exactly is dental plaque, how does it form, and how can you prevent it? The detailed answers to all your questions regarding dental plaque are precisely answered below.
WHAT IS DENTAL PLAQUE?
Early in the morning before you brush your teeth, if you just roll your tongue on your teeth, you will feel a weird fuzziness. This fuzzy feel is due to the dental plaque build-up on your teeth. In short, a sticky film formed by bacteria on your teeth, making your teeth feel rough is called plaque. This is an everyday occurrence in your mouth, and hence it is recommended to properly brush your teeth every day. Brushing of teeth clears away the plaque built on them, preventing severe dental disorders.
HOW IS DENTAL PLAQUE FORMED?
When you consume foods and drinks, some amount of these foods and drinks stay on your teeth as residues. Sticky, sugary foods stick in the gaps between the teeth and also the gums. Your mouth always houses some bacteria. These bacteria react with the sugary and starchy components of food, i.e. the carbohydrates and convert them into acids. These acids wear away the enamel, which is the protective layer of the teeth. When tooth enamel gets disrupted, dental issues like cavities, gum diseases and tooth decay occur.
Scientists also term plaque as a ‘biofilm’ as it is composed of a community of living microbes that thrive on the carbohydrates in food. They develop a sticky coating of gluey polymer layer around them to attach firmly on the surfaces of mouth and form colonies.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PLAQUE REMAINS ON THE TEETH?
Weaken the BonesThis plaque when left unattended on the teeth can extend to the tooth roots under the gums, breaking down the bones that support the teeth.
1. Hardens to form Tartar
Also, untreated plaque hardens by accumulating minerals from the saliva and converts into an off-white or yellowish substance called tartar. This tartar gets built-up on the gumline on the fronts and back of your teeth. Once this tartar hardens, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, and you have to visit a dentist to get it removed.
1. Gives Rise to Dental Disorders
These external settlements on the teeth and gumline lead to dental disorders like receding gums, inflammation and bleeding of gums that are collectively the symptoms of gum diseases like Gingivitis and Periodontal diseases. Cavities and tooth decay are also the results of plaque.
Hence it is always advisable to prevent tartar formation and remove the plaque at an early stage.
HOW CAN PLAQUE FORMATION BE PREVENTED?
• As mentioned earlier every day, there is a little amount of plaque built on your teeth. Hence, brushing and flossing of teeth are a must to remove the plaque as it gets formed.
• Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash after every meal to remove the food stuck in between the teeth. This will prevent the bacteria from reacting with the carbohydrates in food and converting them into acids that decay the teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water or salt water if mouthwash is not available.
• Eat healthy, fiber and calcium-rich foods that strengthen the bones in the teeth and the enamel. When the enamel is intact, no damage can occur to the interior tissues of the teeth.
• Drink plenty of water to keep them moist by increasing the saliva production. Saliva is the defense agent of the mouth that fights the harmful bacteria and prevents plaque build-up. Dry mouth often leads to dental issues.
• Quit smoking as it weakens the gums followed by the teeth roots. Smoking also leads to oral cancer.
• Get your regular dental check-up done to remove the hardened plaque and tartar before it induces more damage to the teeth. Timely dental check-up keeps dental health sound.

Dental plaque is a regular phenomenon, but if left unattended could lead to dreadful dental diseases. Have a regular check on your dental health and visit The Elite Dental Care for your dental check-up routine. We ensure enhanced cleaning of your buccal cavity and removal of plaque.