The food or beverage we consume is mixed with saliva and the bacteria inside our mouths. After we eat, a small number of leftovers will remain between our teeth and gum lines. These food particles that are stuck around our teeth’ surface have chemical reactions with the mouth’s natural bacteria and form a sticky film of microbes in our teeth called dental plaque or tooth plaque.
A dental plaque will be more likely to occur, especially after eating foods containing sugar or starchiness. If it builds up, plaque can end up in several severe oral diseases and even contribute to heart health issues in the long run.
Is it normal for plaque to appear on teeth?
Since we eat and drink daily, we constantly have a certain level of plaque attached to our teeth. It is a natural process in our mouths and nearly unavoidable, but we should not underestimate it. Excessive plaque can cause multiple oral health problems. Furthermore, our overall health is significantly affected by our oral health.
What causes plaque to develop?
The chemical process during and after eating between saliva, food particles, and bacteria inside our mouth will result in dental plaque.
Plaque is usually colourless and unnoticed at the beginning, but it will become more yellowish after a while if it accumulates.
Tooth plaque is a bacteria film that develops using sugars from our food. Therefore, brushing your teeth not long after eating sweets and carbohydrates is very important. The plaque can form as early as 4 hours after brushing your teeth. Within 24 hours after brushing teeth, the plaque can start to harden and become more challenging to clean.
Not drinking enough water will also accelerate plaque buildup. Dry mouth happens when we sleep, and saliva production is lower. Saliva is acidic and has a significant role in neutralizing mouth acidity, keeping bacteria populations controlled.
How can I prevent plaque buildup?
As we already know, the bacteria in our mouth will keep forming tooth plaque. It is highly recommended to understand how to maintain oral and dental hygiene as a part of your oral health routine. So, how is plaque managed or treated? These habits will help you to have better care against dental plaque:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, 30 minutes after a meal and before you go to bed. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
- Choose a toothpaste containing baking soda. Baking soda helps remove plaque, protecting teeth enamel from mineral loss and bacteria acidity.
- Rinse with mouthwash
- Use dental floss to clean parts between your teeth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
- Limit carbohydrate-rich and sugary food from your diet. The more carbohydrates and starches you consume, the higher the risk of dental plaque problems.
- Avoid smoking as it does a lot of harm to your teeth and mouth. Smoking dries your mouth, disturbs the blood flow and reduces its ability to fight plaque bacteria.
- Drink enough water to keep your mouth hydrated.
- Visit your dentist once every six months for a check-up and dental cleaning.
What are the consequences caused by untreated plaque?
In only 48 hours, the tooth plaque that accumulates has likely hardened along the gum line by the mineralization process and become tartar.
Tartar can lead to cavities and gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The bacteria produce acid that can erode the enamel. In severe cases, it can lead to tooth decay or caries. When the plaque is hardened and difficult to remove, you must go to the dentist and have them professionally removed.
Gum diseases such as gingivitis can occur. In more severe conditions, it can progress to periodontitis and end up in tooth loss. When gum infection is severe, the artery can infect other systems in the body, including the cardiovascular system.
What are the early symptoms of excessive dental plaque?
Once in a while, touch your teeth with your tongue to feel the surface. If you can feel a sticky coating on it, you might have too much plaque. These are other common symptoms that could be early indications of dental plaque problem:
- Bleeding when flossing or brushing teeth. The bleeding can be from gum inflammation and a sign of gingivitis. It’s commonly a result of excessive plaque at the gumline.
- Bad breath or bad taste from the mouth. Tooth plaque is also odour-causing bacteria that produce bad breath.
- Grayish or yellowish teeth. The film of buildup plaque can change the teeth’ colour.
- Tartar starting to appear. When left uncleaned for too long, plaque will harden into tartar, a hardened layer covering the gumline. Dental professionals are the only people who can remove tartar
- Teeth become sensitive to food and water. The nerve inside the gum can be exposed if excessive plaque has irritated the gum.
The bottom line
Preventing your teeth from dental plaque and tartar buildup is like a lifetime full-time job. Start good habits for your oral health and make it a lifestyle, from limiting sugary diets to regular check-ups with the dentist.
Remember that your overall health is significantly affected by your oral health. Untreated tooth plaque can quickly become more severe tooth and gum issues, which can be much harder to treat. Taking good care of your teeth will keep you healthy in the long run.
If you think you have a dental issue related to plaque or tartar buildup, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Eastman Dental right away. It is better to address these issues sooner, so there will be minor damage, and it will be easier and cheaper to treat.