Brushing twice a day is always recommended by dentists, but it isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. With each bite, you introduce a new strain of bacteria into your mouth, which subsequently combines with the protein and food products you consume. Plaque, a sticky substance that coats your teeth, is formed due to this mixture.
Have you ever tried rubbing your tongue along the surface of your teeth after not brushing for several days? If so, you’ve probably noticed that the surface is sticky or fuzzy—that sticky coating is known as dental plaque. You can’t see the plaque because it’s colorless, but you can definitely feel it.
Plaque is generated in the mouth when food leftovers interact with bacteria. If it is not removed promptly, it can harden into tartar. Plaque hardens into tartar and builds over and above your gums over time, making it impossible to remove with brushing alone. As the plaque accumulates, it releases acids that erode your tooth enamel, resulting in tooth damage and disease.
When you floss, you can remove plaque that has accumulated in the crevices between your teeth and along the gum line. This helps to keep tartar at bay. In fact, many people believe that flossing is more helpful than brushing in preventing tartar buildup on the back of the molar teeth.
Regular dental checkups will help you have all of the plaque and tartar removed and monitor your teeth and mouth for any oral diseases that may be developing. You should see your dentist at least every 6 months for a professional cleaning.
How to Spot Tartar Buildup
Tartar in the mouth has the texture of a rough surface that brushing alone cannot remove. Tartar that accumulates below the gum line can cause severe bleeding and inflammation. If the deposit above the gumline is not eliminated, it turns yellow or tan and expands. Under the gum line, it could be brown or black.
Why Should you Floss?
Flossing is recommended each day to help loosen up plaque and wash it away. Although brushing helps clean a substantial portion of the teeth, there are spots where plaque can build and slowly but steadily harm your teeth, such as the gaps between your teeth, cracks, and crevasses.
Flossing can help to reduce plaque buildup. Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that might contribute to cavities or gum disease from locations where a toothbrush cannot reach. Furthermore, flossing has been shown to aid in the removal of debris between teeth that can lead to plaque buildup.
Other Methods to Prevent Tartar Buildup in Your Mouth
The use of mouthwash is another option to help prevent tartar buildup. However, mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for flossing. Mouthwash aids in the rinsing of your teeth, mouth, and gums. Using an antiseptic mouthwash aids in the reduction of bacteria and the prevention of bad breath. However, mouthwash may not effectively remove food particles that have become caught between the teeth.
Avoid sugary and starchy foods. Food residue containing sugar or carbohydrates might serve as a breeding ground for bacteria in your mouth. And as previously said, these bacteria produce plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar. So, stop this loop by eating less starchy and sweet foods.
Floss, brush and see your dentist regularly to avoid large tartar build-ups.
Some methods are more effective than others for removing plaque from teeth. However, if you do nothing to improve your dental hygiene and let plaque buildup persist, the consequences can be severe.
The enamel on your teeth will wear away, allowing decay to set in and possibly tooth loss.
Plaque, what is it?
Plaque is a sticky film that accumulates on the teeth over time. It can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, causing tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria found in plaque can produce acid, which attacks your teeth’s enamel, causing your teeth to wear away. You may eventually lose your teeth or develop gum disease, increasing your risk of developing other health issues due to plaque buildup. To avoid these potentially serious complications, it’s critical to understand how to remove plaque from your teeth to maintain good oral health and dental hygiene.
Plaque formation is caused by what?
The amount of plaque that accumulates on your teeth may also be influenced by genetics. For example, how easily plaque adheres to your teeth is influenced by the strength of your immune system. When your immune system is healthy, it can produce antibodies that bind to bacteria and prevent them from adhering to your teeth. When your immune system is compromised, fewer antibodies are produced, allowing bacteria to bind more easily.
Plaque is an unavoidable byproduct of the way your mouth is designed and used. It forms on our teeth and gums when bacteria in our mouths interact with food and other organic matter. This bacteria produces acid, eroding tooth enamel and leading to cavities or gum disease.
What happens to your teeth if plaque isn’t removed?
The enamel on your teeth begins to wear away if plaque buildup is not removed. If this continues, tooth decay and, in some cases, tooth loss may result. Plaque can become infected as well, allowing bacteria to spread throughout your mouth. This not only affects your oral health by your overall health as well.
If the plaque becomes infected, it can lead to a number of serious problems. These problems could be things such as bacteria in the bloodstream, which can cause conditions such as endocarditis and sepsis. Infected plaque is also more likely to cause periodontitis, an inflammation of the tissues that hold the teeth in place.
How to Get Rid of Plaque
Plaque buildup on your teeth can have serious consequences. If plaque buildup has become an issue, the methods for removing it are as simple as what is recommended to keep your teeth clean. These are simple things such as brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist a couple of times a year.
To brush your teeth, an electric toothbrush is often recommended to use whenever possible. The main benefit of using an electric toothbrush is that it helps to remove plaque. When you brush your teeth, the bristles of your toothbrush, whether manual or electric, sweep away plaque from between your teeth. In this regard, electric toothbrushes outperform manual brushes. Most electric toothbrushes also include a timer. This will ensure that you brush for the recommended amount of time possible. This will help reduce the amount of plaque left on your teeth after brushing. If you have a manual toothbrush, set a 2-minute timer on your phone. This is a good equivalent. Of course, brushing with a manual toothbrush is far better than not brushing at all.
Other Important Steps to Remove Plaque
Using a mouthwash can also help to reduce plaque. Mouthwash can do more than freshen your breath; it can also help reduce plaque buildup on your teeth. There are numerous mouthwashes available to combat plaque. All of them work better than not using mouthwash at all. Think of it as similar to going to the car wash and getting the pre-rinse. This will pre-rinse your teeth to prepare them for an enhanced brushing experience.
Flossing is also important to get between the teeth where the bristle of the toothbrush cannot reach. This will extract any lodged food particles. Flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash regularly will ensure that you are doing the best you can to help with plaque build-up at home.
After visiting a dentist, you have been told that you have some level of tooth decay. The dentist may offer you their opinion on when you should look at getting it filled, but you wonder what might happen if I don’t go to the recommendations. We will explore that in this article and help you understand why proper oral care is so critical not only to your smile but also to your overall health.
There are different stages of tooth decay. It usually starts with a small spot that has not broken through the enamel. This is the beginning, and it will most likely not repair on its own but has a slight chance of doing so. Tall tale signs that you might have a cavity and should visit your dentist are:
Visible spots on the tooth
Pain when drinking or eating something cold or hot
Pain when chewing in general
Bad Breath that cannot be cured with some mouthwash and brushing
Tooth sensitivity
Toothache
Swelling, abscess, or inflammation around a tooth
The Stages of Tooth Decay
The first stage is called the white spot. This is the stage where it hasn’t broken through the enamel just yet. While at this stage, with proper treatments, the cavity decay may have a chance of being reversed.
Once the white spot has grown, it will enter phase 2 of a cavity. This is where the cavity has broken through the enamel. At this point, the tooth cannot repair itself. However, it can be saved relatively easily and is far less painful and costly than leaving it to further down the stages, which will happen over time.
Once the tooth hits stage 3, the decay has moved further down the line and has eroded the soft dentin layer below the enamel. The good news is that it hasn’t, at least at this stage, reached the pulp. But give it time, and that’s where the decay is headed. It is advised not to wait any longer at this stage. The tooth can be saved, most likely without a root canal. You may feel some discomfort at this stage, which is more painful than stages 1 and 2.
Stage 4 is a stage that you really don’t want to reach. At this point, the decay has gone through the tooth. This is an excruciating stage. However, the tooth can be saved in most cases at this stage. It will need a root canal, which is far more costly than if you had taken care of the issue early. This is one of many reasons we recommend that you take care of cavities as soon as they start.
The Last Stage is Life-Threatening
The last stage is stage 5, which can be fatal if untreated. It is also very painful and can cause a lot of distress in patients. This will have infection throughout the jawline, and infection of the mouth will carry over to the entire body through the bloodstream. That means that it can cause infection throughout the body and attack certain organs. Stage 5 cannot be reversed and will need a tooth extraction. Again, at this stage, it is life-threatening and should be avoided.
Protect yourself and your loved ones from life-threatening tooth issues by visiting the dentist in Bendigo regularly and doing primary oral care at home. If you have a tooth causing you some pain, be sure to make a special appointment to have that checked out. Better safe than sorry.
The dentist isn’t someone that everyone raves about seeing. While we all want that amazing smile and know that oral health is important, going to the dentist can cause some severe anxiety. As a family dentist in Boronia, we would like to go over some of the reasons for anxiety and hopefully offer some advice that will assist with it as well. While we know we have to see the dentist, sometimes, the anxiety can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1-Embarrassment
Whoever you choose to be your dentist, you shouldn’t have to be embarrassed, no matter what state your teeth are in. Maybe you were never taught proper oral care and didn’t see a dentist as a child but now, you want to change that. However, you have anxiety because they are so bad. You need to find a dentist that is sensitive to this. Whatever the reasoning is that got you here, crawling into a dental chair is the very best thing you can do. Did you know that your oral health will affect your overall health? You don’t want to let your health go, call a dentist today and explain your situation.
2-Hate needles
There is a huge fear of needles. But, if you find the right dentist they will inject you in a manner that you won’t even know that they are doing so. Most dentists know this trick, but fail to use it. Giving an injection slowly with some local numbing cream can make the needle experience a lot better. Be sure that you speak with the dentist about this fear, so they can take some extra precautions with you.
3-The smells and sounds
The smells are actually a lot better than they were in previous years. If the dentist is using the near bonding agents and fillers. Typically only when a temporary bonding agent is used, will you have that dental smell. You will know as soon as your visit is a dentist if they use old or the newer version. You could also ask. Some dentists will do their best to avoid the smelly chemicals that people get nervous about. You should ask before you make an appointment. If you are given any grief over the phone for asking, you should move on to find a different clinic.
For the sounds, you might try a nice set of headphones to drown people and sounds out. However, you should alert the dentist that you are wearing them, as they might not realize it and be asking you questions.
4-You fear the cost of it all
Speaking to the dental clinic will help calm this fear. You don’t have to decide at your very first visit what dental work you can afford. You can ask them what treatments they feel you need and the costs associated with them. This will empower you with knowledge. Knowing how much it will cost, will allow you to be more prepared. The fear of the unknown is what is driving your anxiety, most likely. So, be sure that you are very upfront and clear about your financial situation.
5-The tastes
Some people cannot stand the smell or taste of toothpaste. It can be so bad, that they have to fight their way to brush their teeth each and every time. Perhaps it is associated with some sort of trauma or child abuse. There are many reasons why people have a hard time brushing their teeth, however, if you’re one of them, discuss this with your dentist. There are many different flavors of toothpaste out there. While mint is the most common, there are children’s kinds of toothpaste that are fruity. You might find these more tolerable. But, when speaking to your family dentist in Boronia and hygienist about this, they can suggest some options for you.
There are a number of reasons why people have dental anxiety. Speaking with your dentist, they can determine what course of action would be best for you. Some will also offer prescription medication or gas that will relax you a bit. This medication can be taken just before your appointment to ensure that you are more relaxed and comfortable. The gas can be given in the clinic and you will feel normal as soon as it is taken away. These are great options for those that have a bit of trouble seeing their family dentist in Boronia.
Finding a dentist that you like and trust tends to take some people some time. It is recommended that you try out and meet a couple of dentists before settling on one that is good for you. However, the Boronia Clinic would give you some tips on how to find a family dentist.
1-Ask family and friends.
This can be easily done on your social media. Ask who they use and why. This will give you a good insight as to how you might fit into that Boronia Clinic. Sometimes someone is perfect for one of your friends and family but maybe doesn’t work with your personality.
2-Schedule an appointment to see their clinic and the level of technology that they use.
Dental services have come a long way in recent years and the industry is always evolving. You will want to ensure that your dentist is using up-to-date technology and offers things like digital X Rays.
3-Is it conveniently located for you?
Is it near your home or work, so that it is easy for you to pop in and get the dental care taken care of.
4-What type of services do they offer?
Emergency services are a must with finding a family dentist. You want to find a Boronia Clinic that offers all dental services. This will allow you to have a convenient place to call should there be an emergency pop-up.
5-Look for training certifications and awards.
Do any of the dentists in the Boronia Clinic have special training? Perhaps they did some extra training in cosmetic dentistry. Maybe they are members of special groups. Ask about their training and what awards they may have. Remember, however, a good dentist doesn’t necessarily have to have any special awards. This is just something to keep in mind.
6-Get to know the staff
When you schedule an appointment, was it easy? Be sure that you like the staff at the family dental clinic as they will be a big part of your oral health care. You should be treated in a respectful manner and feel comfortable with them. They will be providing a lot of services while you are in the clinic such as teeth cleaning. You want to be comfortable with the dental hygienists and dental assistants.
7-Look up the online reviews for that particular Boronia Clinic
See what others have to say about them. This step is really important and you will thank us later. You can find out a lot about a particular Boronia Clinic if you start digging. There are many places where people can leave reviews. So, be sure that you poke around a bit and see what others have to say about a clinic you are considering.
8-Always trust your instincts
You decide on a dentist and go to meet them, but there is just something off. You don’t get their sense of humor or they don’t get yours. Whatever is off, always trust your instincts and try a different clinic. There are many options out there, finding who is best for you is your goal.
9-Check the rates and payment options
We all want a dentist that we can afford, of course. So be sure that you understand the payment arrangements and costs that you will understand and be able to afford. As if they have payment plans or offer payment plans, if this is something you will need. Many will offer something to help with the expenses of the dental treatments.
10-Ask questions.
You are hiring them. You have many choices and should ask questions that are of concern to you. This could be anything related to the clinic and atmophere. Don’t be shy, you are trying to find someone that you feel comfortable with and affordable. Be sure to ask questions and their recommendations for your current situation. After all, you are trying to make a good choice here.
Finding the right dentist might take some time. Don’t get discouraged as there are many different approaches by dentists to treat the same thing. That doesn’t necessarily mean that one is right and one is wrong, but it means you need to be comfortable with their choices for your oral health.
We have all heard that it is what is recommended by the American dental association. However, there are reasons for their recommendations. People need to see the dentist to ensure that their oral health is up to par. Yes, you brush your teeth regularly, floss, and use mouthwash at home but there is nothing compared to professional cleaning.
Most people leave the dentist after a professional cleaning to feel more fresh and clean. However, there are other reason for visiting the dentist as well
1-Improve your smile
Your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you. Our smiles carry a lot of weight on our self-confidence. If you are not happy with your smile, then you will have low self-esteem. Gum Disease, rotting teeth, and missing teeth can all be a part of a bad-looking smile. These things happen if you don’t see your dentist on a regular basis. Missing proper cleaning can lead to missing or damaged teeth.
2-Save money in the future
While a preventative visit does cost money, it is far less costly than getting your teeth taken care of. If you have insurance, quite often they will cover cleanings 100%. However, if you do or don’t have insurance, it is almost always more costly to deal with damaged/rotting teeth than it is to do the preventative care that is recommended.
3- Stop Gum Disease
Gum Disease is no joke. It can not only affect the look of your smile and breathe but can also affect your overall health. Oral health is actually linked to many other health issues such as heart disease, diabetic problems, and overall health issues. It is important that you care for your mouth and your oral health to ensure that you are overall healthy.
4-Prevent Plaque
Plaque can eat away at your tooth’s enamel and cause cavities. If these cavities are left untreated you will have further damage to the tooth which will lead to the need for a root canal or pulling. You may think you are doing a great job at brushing, but a professional cleaning takes it to the next level. Plaque builds up where you are missing with your toothbrush. Your dental hygienist should be able to show you the troubled areas so that you can improve on them in the future.
5-Prevention of Tooth Decay
Preventing tooth decay is the number one reason you should see a dentist. It helps you keep Plaque and gum disease at bay and have a healthy smile. Our smiles are very important to us, and our oral health is directly tied to our overall health. Seeing your dentist allows an expert to go over your teeth and ensure that you have everything taken care of. Early detection of a cavity helps with the overall means of taking care of it. The earlier the better and the less costly.
If your health is important to you. Or if your looks are important to you, then you should see your dentist every 6 months for proper cleaning and check-up.
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