Have you woken up in the morning and felt that film which coats your teeth? This nasty substance is called plaque, and it is the buildup which is sure to cause cavities.
Dental plaque is an accumulation of thin film on the outer surface of the tooth. It should not be confused with plague which is entirely different phrase.
This mainly consists of microorganisms, most of which are bacteria of Streptococcus mutans species. These bacteria are not harmful to the oral cavity generally, but during some extreme conditions, these attack the surface of the tooth.
If you don't know how to brush your teeth, then you are the most susceptible to dental plaque and its consequences. According to studies, the carbohydrates present in the food forms a product called Dextran by the action of the bacteria, and this helps in binding of bacteria to the surface and formation of the thin layer.
It is not seen on the occlusal or incisal surfaces but is more prominently seen near the gum lining and margins of gums near the teeth. So, dental plaque is classified into three sub-categories: Supragingival (seen on the teeth region above the gum line), Gingival (seen along the gum line on the teeth), and Subgingival (on the roots of teeth below the gum line).
It is generally disturbed and removed by the movements of tongue and sometimes due to saliva, and sometimes cheek movement also help in removal. Regular brushing and flossing habits are also required to prevent formation and also removal of any present layer.
Regular brushing keeps on cleaning the surface, which keeps the formation from occurring. Also, the technique of brushing has to be taken proper care of, because improper brushing techniques can leave some areas unclean and these areas are more prone to microbial growth and plaque formation.
To maintain oral health, visiting a dentist at least twice a year is advised, so that the health of the mouth can be checked and if any problem is seen, it can be solved at the earliest. Eat a balanced diet of food.
Have food that contains equal and required amounts of all nutrients. Having excess or reducing something can directly or indirectly affect the contents.
Excess of sugar in food favors growth of bacteria. Be sure to brush with fluoride-based toothpaste.
These fluorides help in prevention of growth of bacteria, and hence prevents formation of dental plaque. It is an almost invisible, transparent colored film that resembles the color of surface and cannot be detected by a normal person, but the dentist can recognize that by an examination.
As the patient can not directly view and detect it, brushing also does not remove the plaque as plaque containing surfaces are not checked and brushed well.
There are disclosing tablets, and solution stains which are used to detect this substance by staining that region indicating the presence. Use them regularly to check the presence or absence of it and see how clean your mouth really is.
The first and best method to remove it is by using dental floss. Run it against the surface of the teeth in a regular fashion and gentle manner.
One more way of removing the substance between teeth is to use a dental pick - a thin plastic or wooden stick. These sticks are available at various dental stores and drug stores.
When you visit a dentist, they will clean the teeth and gums carefully for you and remove the substance completely. It does not directly harm the dental tissues and teeth parts, but results in some secondary conditions that affect the mouth oral tissues.
It can lead to demineralization of structures like enamel layer, and formation of dental caries or tooth decay. Saliva cannot penetrate it to neutralize the acids which are released by the bacteria and which lead to formation of caries.
Plaque can sometimes get mineralized and forms tartar or calculus. Due to irritation to the gums, Gingivitis and Periodontal disease can also occur in some cases.
Make sure that you have your entire mouth treated frequently. Brush carefully, and use a strong mouthwash-the more often you remove it, the better your gums will feel, and the better your breath will be!
Author Resource:-
Jack Landry is a formal dental hygienist and has authored hundreds of articles relating to dental practice and procedures, and recommends this Bakersfield, CA Cosmetic Dentist.
Contact Info:
Jack R. Landry
JackRLandry@gmail.com
http://www. bakersfieldsmiledesign.com
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