Plaque Control: Tips, Techniques, and Products for a Healthier Smile
Plaque control is very important to maintain good dental hygiene. Dental plaque can cause several diseases that can lead to tooth loss. Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and can be removed through certain oral treatments and good dental cleaning.
Everyone cares about maintaining a beautiful smile; for this, you also have to take care of the internal part of the teeth. Below is all the information you need about plaque and the treatments available for plaque removal.
What Is a Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless substance of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. This sticky film constantly forms on the teeth and can be removed through routine oral hygiene.
When you don't have good plaque and tartar control, it can cause cavities, gum disease, and other problems that can affect your health. When dental plaque adheres to the teeth, it requires toothbrushing and other dental procedures performed by a dentist to remove it.
If plaque becomes hard, it can become tartar and cause other major dental problems. When it already becomes tartar, you will not be able to remove it at home. You will have to visit the dentist to remove it.
What Are The Symptoms of Dental Plaque?
It would help if you went to a local dentist for a detailed evaluation when there is plaque and tooth decay. The most common symptoms of dental plaque are:
• Fuzzy sensation in the teeth.
•Bad breath
• Sensitive or receding gums
• Red or swollen gums that bleed when brushing
What Causes Plaque On Teeth?
Plaque and gum disease can form for different reasons. Dental plaque is also known as bacterial plaque and can be formed by the presence of bacteria and sugars. The causes of dental plaque are:
• Lack of oral hygiene
To Plaque Control, it is necessary to have good dental hygiene. Not brushing your teeth at least twice a day can produce dental plaque. It is important to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss.
• Eating too many sugary foods
It is important not to abuse sugary foods for plaque and oral health. Dental plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods such as juices, milk, bread, soft drinks, and pasta.
Bacteria in your mouth release acids that break down carbohydrates in food and drinks. If you don't brush after every meal, this combination of acids, bacteria, and carbohydrates will form a sticky, colorless film.
In plaque control for kids, you must take care of your diet to avoid the appearance of dental plaque.
How To Prevent The Formation Or Accumulation of Dental Plaque?
Plaque prevention tips include:
• Brush your teeth twice a day
The toothbrush is a way to combat the presence of dental plaque. You must brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. In plaque control for braces, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush after each meal.
On the other hand, in plaque control, you must brush at the junction between teeth and gums and change the toothbrush every 2 months.
According to experts, toothbrushes with hard or medium bristles can be too abrasive for gums and damage tooth enamel. You can also use an electric toothbrush. You can consult a local dentist to get the best option for you.
Plaque control toothpaste is also very important for good dental hygiene. It would help if you chose fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and strengthen your teeth. On the market, many kinds of toothpaste with ingredients fight bad breath, gingivitis, dental sensitivity, and plaque.
You can discuss with your dentist the best toothpaste and plaque removal techniques.
• Use dental floss
Plaque control for adults should also include dental floss. Floss once a day to remove and get rid of food debris and plaque stuck between teeth.
You can find plaque control and flossing in different flavors, and they can come waxed and unwaxed.
• Use mouthwash
Plaque control mouthwash is another dental hygiene tip that you can't ignore. After brushing, use an over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwash to protect your teeth and gums.
You can find different mouthwashes in the market to help you with dental problems. Some contain fluoride to fight cavities, while other rinses will help reduce plaque.
• Have a healthy diet
Ask your dentist about plaque-fighting foods. Specialists say that choosing healthy foods can be beneficial in preventing plaque. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks.
• Use a tongue cleaner
In the tips for good plaque control, a tongue cleaner cannot be missing. In dental hygiene, you cannot forget to clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner. If you don't have one, you can use your toothbrush.
• Visit the dentist regularly
Visit the dentist regularly so that he can thoroughly evaluate your mouth and thus prevent serious problems that could affect your smile. He will do dental cleanings and use plaque control devices.
In addition, you can whiten your teeth to enjoy a healthy and bright smile. Certified dentists will also point you to natural ways to control plaque that are safe and effective.
How Do Dentists Treat Dental Plaque?
Dentists will use different special tools for plaque and oral hygiene. Dentists may recommend:
• Dental sealants
Dental sealants are thin coatings used by dentists to prevent plaque from forming on the surfaces of your back teeth.
• Treatments for dry mouth
Plaque control products include treatments to increase saliva production.
• Fluoride treatments
To control plaque and bad breath, some treatments can slow the growth of bacteria that cause plaque.
Conclusion
Plaque control is the best option for a healthy smile. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is the best way to prevent cavities and remove plaque from the surface of your teeth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash for added dental protection. Always visit the dentist periodically for effective dental treatments and better plaque control.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How Many Types of Plaque Are There?
There are 2 types of plaque: hard and soft
2. What is The Importance of Plaque Control?
Caries and gingivitis are the most important measures for prevention from plaque control.
3. What is The Best Food To Protect From Plaque?
Many crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery contain many antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, that help protect from cell damage and bacterial infection and clean plaque from teeth.