What Is Dental Plaque?
At Integrity Dental, we want our patients to become educated about how to improve their oral health. The best way to improve your oral health is to have an excellent oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, if you don’t clean your teeth correctly, you may develop plaque. If you have seen any commercials for dental health products, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, you may have heard the term dental plaque mentioned. Do you know what dental plaque is and why it is so harmful to your oral health? Plaque is a sticky film that coats the teeth and is caused by bacteria introduced into the mouth from food and drink.
How to Remove Dental Plaque
The easiest way to remove plaque is by brushing and flossing thoroughly each day. You should be brushing for a minimum of two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day. If you only floss once a day, we recommend flossing at night to help remove any lingering food and bacteria. If your teeth feel fuzzy or slimy after you have brushed them, you have not brushed well enough. When plaque is not removed, it eventually turns into tartar. Tartar is what causes the development of tooth decay and gum disease.
During your routine hygiene examinations and cleanings, our team removes any built-up plaque from the surface of your teeth, between them, and along the gumline. We also make sure that there are no problem areas in your mouth. If we detect a problem in the mouth, be sure to schedule your treatment appointment as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
If you have not visited us recently for a hygiene examination and cleaning, now is the perfect time for a visit. Be sure to contact our office located in Wellington, FL to schedule an appointment. We can also help you learn how to brush and floss your teeth properly if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you soon!
