Dental plaque can be removed with proper oral hygiene and regular professional cleans.
It’s no secret that proper oral hygiene is essential when it comes to maintaining good oral health, as well as a fresh breath. And when it comes to removing dental plaque, daily brushing and flossing are key habits. Read on to find out more about what plaque actually is, how to effectively remove it and how to prevent damage to your teeth and gums in the long-term…
What is plaque, exactly?
Plaque is a colourless, sticky substance that consists of bacteria. The sticky film forms on the surface of the teeth every day. Every time that we eat foods that contain carbohydrates, bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars and produce acids. If plaque is left to accumulate on the teeth, these acids can weaken the enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, and can cause the gums to swell and bleed in the early stages of gum disease.
How can plaque be removed at home?
Fortunately, plaque is fairly easy to remove with the right techniques and habits. It is advisable that you brush your teeth at least twice a day or after meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be sure to clean all the surfaces of your teeth in order to get rid of food particles and plaque build-up.
Besides regular brushing, it is also important to floss your teeth every day. This will ensure that plaque is removed from under the gumline and between the teeth and will go a long way in preventing issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Can plaque build-up be prevented?
It is possible to reduce plaque build-up by avoiding certain foods and drinks. Try to limit your consumption of sugary drinks, snacks and candy in order to keep plaque at bay.
It is also a good idea to see your dentist for regular professional cleans. In fact, it is generally recommended that you schedule a dental check-up and clean every six months or so in order to maintain your oral health and prevent dental diseases from becoming a concern. During a clean, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
How can we help?
At Dental Pearls, we offer a range of dental services, including preventative dentistry. We encourage all of our patients to come in and see us for maintenance appointments every six months. At these appointments, we will perform a dental examination, as well as a cleaning session. Our team is also available to provide you with dietary advice, and information regarding good oral hygiene habits and techniques. If you require more involved or more frequent cleaning sessions, these will be tailored to suit your needs.
If you would like to find out more about our preventative dentistry services, and what to expect from a general maintenance appointment, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here or give us a call on (07) 3210 2144. We are conveniently located in the heart of the Brisbane CBD and are dedicated to providing the very best in modern dental care. Our team continually undertakes extensive personal and professional continuing education so that we can provide valuable, innovative and cutting-edge dentistry to each of our patients.
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