Ask the Dentist!
What is Plaque?
Most people have heard of the word “plaque” and know it’s not something you want on your teeth. Yet, they don’t know what exactly plaque is or how it contributes to dental decay.
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that lives on the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. It accumulates from normal daily activities such as eating and drinking, especially if you’ve consumed a lot of sugars and starches. Ever had that fuzzy feeling on your teeth that goes away after you give them a good brush? Yep, that’s plaque.
Plaque is what contributes to dental decay, as bacteria like to consume the sugars in your mouth and excrete acids that wear away at your tooth enamel. When you don’t regularly brush and floss away plaque, it forms tartar. Tartar is the calcified substance on your teeth that only a professional cleaning can remove.
To regularly remove plaque:
1. Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
2. Floss at least once daily to remove the plaque your brush can’t reach.
3. Visit us for your regular dental cleanings.
If you are due for a cleaning and exam and you're not scheduled, you may call our office or visit our website to request an appointment.