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What is Dental Plaque and How to Prevent It | Easy Guide
Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on April 27th, 2024.
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If you've ever felt a "fuzzy" coating on your teeth, that's plaque. When plaque builds up, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even affect your overall health. But don't worry - preventing plaque is easy with a few simple habits!
What Causes Plaque Buildup?
Plaque develops when foods and drinks containing sugars and starches (carbohydrates) are frequently left on the teeth. Common culprits include:
Milk
Soft drinks
Cakes, cookies, and candy
Starchy foods like bread and chips
Bacteria that normally live in your mouth thrive on these leftover bits of food, producing acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. Over time, this leads to cavities. Plaque can also build up under your gums, breaking down the bones that support your teeth.
How Plaque and Gum Disease Affect Your Health
Untreated plaque buildup causes gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to serious gum disease (periodontitis). But gum disease doesn't just wreck your oral health. Studies have linked periodontal disease to a higher risk of:
Premature birth
Experts believe the inflammation from gum disease may spread throughout the body and worsen other inflammatory conditions. Oral bacteria may also travel through the bloodstream and harm major organs.
6 Easy Ways to Prevent Plaque
Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, tooth-wide circular motions.
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. Flossing options include traditional floss, dental picks, small brushes, and water flossers.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque bacteria.
See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months. Ask about dental sealants and other preventive treatments.
Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary, starchy, and acidic foods that feed plaque bacteria. Raw veggies help scrub away plaque.
If you snack, brush afterwards or chew sugarless gum to wash away food.
With these simple tips, you can keep plaque under control and enjoy a healthy smile for life! Remember, a little daily dental care goes a long way in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and related health complications.
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