What Is Dental Plaque and How to Get Rid of It

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.