As a patient, I am sure you have heard your dentist talking about preventing plaque and tartar. Do you know what plaque and tartar actually are? How are you going to prevent something if you do not know the signs and symptoms? As a dentist in Cary, our mission is to educate our patients on how to maintain the best overall oral hygiene. Our hope is that through this blog post our patients will have a better understanding of what plaque is, the signs and symptoms, and how to prevent it.
What is Plaque?
The sticky colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and along the gum-line are plaque. Plaque is made up of bacteria that has the ability to cause cavities and gum disease. When plaque builds up and is not properly removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into what is called tartar.
Signs & Symptoms
Plaque constantly develops in our mouths because bacteria are constantly growing in our mouths. When plaque is not removed from the gum line it can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around your teeth, which will lead to gingivitis. It is important that you talk to your dentist in Cary if you are experiencing these signs and symptoms. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontal disease and cause tooth loss.
Prevention
As you can see, it is really important that you prevent plaque from building up. As a dentist in Cary we recommend the following easy tips to prevent build up:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for two minutes each time. This will help to remove plaque from the surface of your teeth
- Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gum-line.
- Restrict the amount of sugary or starchy foods that you consume.
- Schedule at least two regular visits per year to your dentist in Cary for cleanings and dental examinations.
Courtesy Of: Colgate
