The Truth Behind Plaque

Unless you have been living under a rock forever, you know the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. As your number one daily defense against cavities, brushing and flossing are not only good for your oral health, but they are easy to add to your routine. By getting rid of plaque on your teeth, a good toothbrush, toothpaste, and a lot of dental floss can keep you out of the dentist’s chair and doing the things you enjoy – like spending time with friends and family. So, even though you know that brushing and flossing can get rid of plaque, do you know what this substance is and how it works? If not, read on to learn more.

What Is Dental Plaque?

At the start, plaque is a soft, sticky substance made up of bacteria caused by food, beverages, and even the air around you. If left untreated, plaque can harden and turn into a substance called tartar which can ultimately lead to cavities and tooth decay. There are four main stages and classifications of bacterial dental plaque, including:

• Stage 1: This stage occurs right after you eat and when your plaque is still soft and is called “early biofilm.”
• Stage 2: This stage occurs after about three to four days and causes an increased number of filaments and fusiform.
• Stage 3: This stage occurs after about four to nine days and produces complex flora rods and filaments.
• Stage 4: This stage occurs after about one to two weeks and causes more gram-negative organisms and Vibrio species to appear.

Note that these stages would occur only if you don’t brush your teeth, but they can advance in rare cases.

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How Is Dental Plaque Removed?

As previously mentioned, your number one defense against dental plaque is brushing and flossing your teeth at least in the morning and night. Additionally, you should visit Gentle Dentistry for your bi-annual cleanings. During your cleanings, your dentist will scrape off any plaque and tartar buildup so that it doesn’t worsen.

Now that you know more about plaque, you know the importance of taking better care of your teeth. To learn more about how you can have a healthier smile, contact Gentle Dentistry today to schedule an appointment!