Removing Dental Plaque: Best Methods for Healthy Teeth

 You want to keep your teeth healthy, right? A big part of that is removing dental plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth and plays a big role in whether your smile stays bright and healthy or runs into trouble.

Let’s break down what plaque is, why it’s a problem, and how you can get rid of it to keep your teeth in top shape.

What is Dental Plaque?

Think of dental plaque as a thin, sticky coating that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s mostly made up of bacteria, the tiny living things that are always present in your mouth. When you eat and drink, especially things with sugar or starches, these bacteria in the plaque feed on them. This process creates acids that can harm your teeth. Plaque is usually clear or yellowish, making it difficult to spot at first.

Causes of Plaque Build-Up

Plaque forms on everyone’s teeth, all the time. It starts building up within minutes of brushing! The main reasons it gets thick and causes problems are:

• Not brushing or flossing enough: If you don’t clean your teeth regularly, plaque has more time to grow and harden.
• Eating sugary and starchy foods: Foods like lollies, soft drinks, bread, and pasta give the bacteria in your mouth plenty to eat. The more they eat, the more acid they produce and the more plaque forms.
• Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash away food bits and neutralise acids. If you have a dry mouth, plaque can build up faster.
• Certain medical conditions or medications: Some health issues and medicines can also affect how much plaque forms.

The Importance of Removing Dental Plaque

Removing plaque isn’t just about having clean teeth; it’s about protecting your whole mouth. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Prevents cavities: When plaque sticks to your teeth, the acids produced by the bacteria eat away at your tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. This creates tiny holes, called cavities or tooth decay. Cavities can get bigger and deeper if not treated, leading to pain and even tooth loss.
• Stops gum disease: Plaque can also irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and bleed easily. This is the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can worsen and become a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can damage the bone holding your teeth in place. This can eventually lead to teeth becoming loose and even falling out.
• Keeps your breath fresh: The bacteria in plaque can also cause bad breath, sometimes called halitosis.
• Maintains a bright smile: Plaque can make your teeth look dull and discoloured. Removing it helps your teeth look cleaner and brighter.

How to Remove Dental Plaque at Home

The good news is that you can do a lot to remove dental plaque yourself every day.

• Brush your teeth properly: This is your main weapon against plaque.
  • How often: Brush at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
  • How long: Brush for at least two minutes each time.
  • What to use: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel and fight cavities.
  • Technique: Hold your brush at a slight angle towards your gum line. Use gentle, circular motions. Make sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth – the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too, as bacteria can hide there and cause bad breath.
• Floss daily: Brushing alone isn’t enough because your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth or under your gum line, where plaque loves to hide. Flossing gets into these tight spots.
  • How often: Floss at least once a day, preferably before bed.
  • Technique: Take about 45cm of floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few centimetres to work with. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it around each tooth in a “C” shape. Move the floss gently up and down, making sure to go slightly below the gum line. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
• Use mouthwash (sometimes): An antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your routine, but it’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing. It can help rinse away loose food particles and give you fresh breath. Ask your dentist if a mouthwash is right for you.
• Clean your tongue: Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue. This helps remove bacteria and keeps your breath fresh.

Professional Plaque Removal

Even with the best home care, plaque can sometimes harden into something called tartar (or calculus). Once plaque turns into tartar, you can’t remove it with just a toothbrush and floss. That’s when you need a professional.

• Dental cleaning (scale and polish): This is done by a dentist or a dental hygienist. They use special tools to scrape away the tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line. This process is called “scaling.” After scaling, your teeth are polished to remove any surface stains and make them smooth, which makes it harder for plaque to stick in the future.
• Deep cleaning (root planing): If you have more advanced gum disease, the dentist might recommend a deeper cleaning called root planing. This goes further below the gum line to remove tartar and smooth the roots of your teeth, helping your gums reattach to the teeth.

How Often Should You Have Dental Plaque Removed?

Most people should visit their dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up every six months. This allows the dentist to remove tartar buildup and check for other dental problems early on.

However, some people might need more frequent cleanings:

• If you’re prone to plaque build-up or tartar.
• If you have gum disease.
• If you have certain medical conditions that affect your oral health.

Your dentist, especially a dentist Doreen, can advise you on the best schedule for your specific needs.

The Risks of Ignoring Plaque Buildup

Ignoring plaque buildup is like ignoring a small leak in your roof—eventually, it will cause much bigger, more expensive problems.

• Cavities: As mentioned, untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and the need for fillings, crowns, or even root canals.
• Gum disease: From mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Once teeth are lost, dentures, bridges, or implants might be needed, which are more involved and costly treatments.
• Tooth loss: This is the ultimate consequence of unchecked plaque and tartar, leading to severe gum disease or widespread decay.
• Other health problems: Growing research suggests a link between poor oral health and other serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While more research is needed, keeping your mouth healthy is definitely a good idea for your overall well-being.
• Bad breath: Persistent bad breath can be embarrassing and affect your confidence.

Plaque Prevention Tips

Prevention is always better than a cure! Here are some simple ways to prevent plaque from building up:

• Brush and floss diligently: This is the cornerstone of plaque prevention. Stick to the twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing routine.
• Eat a balanced diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks. These are a feast for plaque-forming bacteria. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.
• Drink plenty of water: Water helps rinse food particles and hydrate your mouth.
• Chewing sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help increase saliva flow, wash food away and neutralise acids.
• Regular dental check-ups: Seeing your dentist regularly means they can spot plaque and tartar problems early and address them before they get serious.
• Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco are terrible for your oral health and can increase plaque and gum disease risks.

What to Expect During Professional Plaque Removal

When you go to your dentist for a professional cleaning, here’s generally what will happen:

1. Examination: The dental hygienist or dentist will first examine your mouth to check for any signs of plaque, tartar, or gum disease.
2. Scaling: They’ll use special tools, often a scaler, to gently scrape off the tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. You might hear some scraping noises, which might feel odd, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you have sensitive teeth, let them know.
3. Polishing: After the tartar is removed, your teeth will be polished with a special paste and a rotating brush. This makes your teeth feel super smooth and shiny, and helps remove surface stains.
4. Flossing: They’ll usually floss your teeth to make sure all areas are clean.
5. Fluoride treatment (optional): Sometimes, a fluoride treatment is applied to teeth to help strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities.
6. Advice: Your dental professional will give you tips on how to improve your home oral care routine.

Cost of Dental Plaque Removal Services

The cost of dental plaque removal, or a standard dental cleaning, can vary. It depends on:

• Where you live: Costs can differ between states and even within different practices.
• The specific dentist or clinic: Each clinic sets its own fees.
• Your private health insurance: If you have private health insurance with dental cover, a portion (or sometimes all) of the cost might be covered.
• The complexity of the cleaning: A standard scale and polish will cost less than a deeper cleaning (root planing) needed for more advanced gum disease.

It’s always a good idea to contact your chosen dentist Doreen directly or check their website for their current fees. They can also provide a quote based on your individual needs. 

Remember, investing in regular cleanings is much more affordable than dealing with the problems that untreated plaque can cause down the track!

Conclusion

Removing dental plaque is essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. By sticking to a good home care routine—brushing twice a day and flossing daily—and getting regular professional cleanings, you can effectively manage plaque and prevent serious dental problems.

 Don’t wait until you have pain or major issues!

Be Proactive About Your Oral Health

Ready to take control of your dental health? If you’re due for a check-up and professional clean, or if you’re concerned about plaque buildup, don’t delay!

Contact your local dental clinic today to book an appointment. If you’re in the Doreen area, consider reaching out to SmileWorks Dental Doreen to schedule your next plaque removal and ensure your smile stays its healthiest. 

Your teeth will thank you for it!
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