What is dental plaque, and how do I remove it?


Most likely, your dentist has told you this. "Oops, I see that you have a lot of plaque on your teeth." Everyone has this, in fact. But what does this mean? And, even more important, how can you best stop this from happening? Please keep reading to find out more.

What is dental plaque?

Dental plaque is a yellow-white sticky layer on the teeth. This is a mixture of bacteria, saliva and food residues that accumulate where your teeth meet the gums. Everyone produces plaque all day long. It is almost invisible, but when you scrape your nail over your tooth, and white dirt gets on your nail, you can see it very well.

How do I prevent dental plaque?

The best approach is good oral care. When you take good care of your teeth, dental plaque cannot cause major problems. Good oral care means that you:

·         Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day (with a good brush!);

·         Floss or use toothpicks once a day to clean teeth;

·         Visit the dentist twice a year for a periodic check-up.

·         By also having your gums, teeth and molars preventively cleaned twice a year by a dental hygienist, you can be sure that you are in the right place.

The consequences of dental plaque

Plaque is made up of bacteria that make acids that can hurt your tooth enamel and gums. It is important to prevent a lot of plaque, as it can form in tartar. And this can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist! Tartar can form into inflamed gums. This can be recognized by the red color, bleeding when touched, bad taste, bad breath, and swollen and painful gums. Therefore, be on time with the removal of tartar.

Have tartar removed

Once the plaque has formed into tartar, it is important to have it removed. Have this done by one of the dental hygienists at the Virginia dental clinic? They will ensure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned to prevent further oral problems from occurring. In addition, they also give advice on how to treat your teeth to keep them healthy. Think of unlearning negative eating habits or advising on the best toothbrush/toothpaste for your teeth.

Make an appointment.

Is your teeth ready for a thorough cleaning, or is it time for a six-monthly check-up? Then don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Arlington, VA.


 

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