Removing Dental Plaque: Keep Teeth Clean & Healthy
Many people aim for a healthy smile, as it is closely linked to overall oral health. But lurking in our mouths is a sticky film called dental plaque. You might not always see it, but it’s there, and if you don’t take care of it, it can cause some serious problems.
This blog is all about understanding what dental plaque is, why it’s so important to get rid of it, and how you can maintain good oral hygiene. We’ll break down everything from your daily routine to professional help.
What is Dental Plaque?
Think of dental plaque as a thin, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s made up of a mix of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. You might notice it as a fuzzy feeling on your teeth if you haven’t brushed for a while.
This plaque isn’t a solid thing; it’s a living community of bacteria. These bacteria feed on the sugars in the food and drinks we consume. As they feed, they produce acids. These acids are the real troublemakers.
Why Removing Dental Plaque is Important
So, why should you care about this sticky film? Because if you don’t remove it, it starts a chain reaction of problems.
First, those acids produced by the bacteria attack your tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, these acid attacks can weaken the enamel and lead to a tiny hole, which we know as a cavity. Cavities may cause discomfort and often require a filling by a dentist.
Second, if plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into something called tartar (or calculus). Tartar is a hard, mineralised deposit that forms along the gum line. It’s rough and porous, which makes it even easier for more plaque to stick to it. Once plaque becomes tartar, you can’t remove it with your toothbrush alone. You need a dental professional to scrape it off.
Third, plaque and tartar irritate your gums. This can lead to a condition called gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Your gums might become red, swollen, and bleed easily when you brush or floss. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can cause the gums and bone supporting your teeth to break down. Eventually, this can lead to tooth loss.
Plaque build-up can contribute to cavities, gum disease, and potential tooth loss, which is why regular plaque removal is important.
Signs You Have Plaque Buildup
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you have plaque, especially if it’s clear. But there are a few signs to be aware of, including:
A rough or coated feeling on your teeth: This is the most common sign. If you run your tongue over your teeth and they feel a bit furry or not completely smooth, you likely have plaque.
Bad breath: Plaque is full of bacteria, and their activity can cause a foul odour.
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums: As plaque irritates your gums, they might become inflamed. You might notice your gums bleeding when you brush or floss.
A yellowish or brownish film near your gum line: This is a sign that plaque has started to harden into tartar.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good time to reassess your oral hygiene routine.
Daily Habits to Remove Plaque at Home
The good news is that preventing and removing plaque is mostly in your hands. A few simple daily habits can make a huge difference.
Brushing Twice a Day: This is a key part of maintaining oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day (morning and night) for two minutes each time is the best way to remove food particles and plaque.
Flossing Once a Day: Brushing alone can’t reach all the tight spots between your teeth and under your gums. Flossing is crucial for getting rid of the plaque and food bits that your toothbrush misses.
Using Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help rinse away leftover food particles and kill some of the bacteria that cause plaque. It’s a great addition to your routine but should never replace brushing and flossing.
Eating a Healthy Diet: Sugary and starchy foods are a feast for the plaque-forming bacteria. Try to limit sugary drinks, lollies, and snacks. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help, as they increase saliva flow, which naturally helps wash away food and acids.
The Role of Brushing and Flossing in Plaque Removal
Let’s know more about the two most important tools in your plaque-fighting arsenal: the toothbrush and the floss.
Brushing
The Right Technique: Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Use short, gentle, back-and-forth strokes. Make sure you brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
The Right Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is usually best. A hard-bristled brush can damage your gums and tooth enamel. You can use a manual toothbrush or an electric one. Many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes as they can be more effective at removing plaque.
The Right Toothpaste: Use a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks.
Flossing
The Right Technique: Take a piece of floss about 45cm long. Wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving a short section to work with. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, using a C-shape to hug each tooth. Move the floss up and down, making sure to go slightly below the gum line. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Don’t skip it! Flossing can feel like a chore, but it’s essential. Brushing removes plaque from most tooth surfaces, but flossing helps clean the areas that brushing alone may miss on your tooth surfaces. Flossing cleans the other 40%!
Professional Dental Cleaning for Plaque Removal
No matter how diligent you are with your home care, you can’t get rid of all the plaque and certainly not the tartar. That’s where professional dental cleaning comes in.
Your dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to scrape away tartar that has built up on your teeth. This process is called scaling. After scaling, they will polish your teeth to remove any surface stains and make the tooth surface smooth, which makes it more difficult for plaque to adhere.
Regular check-ups and cleans (commonly every six months) are recommended to support oral health. Your dentist can also identify any early signs of problems, such as cavities or gum disease, before they become serious. If you’re in the Wollongong area, you can book a dental check-up with dentists Wollongong.
Tools and Products That Help Remove Plaque
Beyond the basic toothbrush and floss, there are other tools that can help with plaque removal:
Interdental Brushes: These tiny brushes are great for cleaning the gaps between your teeth, especially if you have braces or wider spaces.
Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators): These devices use a stream of water to blast away plaque and food particles. They are particularly good for people who find traditional flossing difficult or have crowns or bridges.
Plaque-Disclosing Tablets: These little chewable tablets stain the plaque on your teeth, showing you exactly where you’ve missed brushing. They are a fantastic tool for improving your brushing technique.
Consequences of Not Removing Plaque
We’ve touched on this briefly, but it’s worth a summary to drive the point home. Here is a summary of the possible outcomes of untreated plaque.
Cavities (Dental Caries): The most common outcome. These holes in your teeth can be painful and require fillings.
Gingivitis: The early, reversible stage of gum disease, causing red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Periodontitis: The advanced, irreversible stage of gum disease, which can lead to bone loss, receding gums, and eventually, tooth loss.
Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is a common sign of a mouth full of bacteria.
A connection to other health problems: Some studies suggest a possible association between gum disease and health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Preventing Plaque Build-up Long-Term
Long-term success in maintaining your oral health comes down to consistency. Here are a few final tips:
Make it a routine: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day should become a consistent part of your daily routine.
Don’t rush it: Remember the two-minute rule for brushing. Time yourself if you have to.
Be gentle: Aggressive brushing can harm your gums. A gentle touch is all you need.
See your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups play an important role in supporting long-term oral health.
Conclusion
Dental plaque is an ever-present part of our lives, but it doesn’t have to be a problem. By understanding what it is and why it’s so important to remove it, you can actively support your oral health. A simple routine of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and regular visits to your dentist are the keys to a healthy, plaque-free smile. These simple habits are your best defence against cavities and gum disease, helping to maintain clean and healthy teeth over time.
FAQ
1. How long does it take for plaque to form?
Plaque is always forming on your teeth. It starts to form just minutes after you’ve brushed, but it takes about 12-24 hours for it to mature and become harmful. That’s why daily brushing and flossing are so important.
2. Can plaque cause bad breath?
Yes. The bacteria in plaque can release gases that may contribute to bad breath.
3. Is it okay to just use mouthwash instead of brushing and flossing?
No. Mouthwash is a great addition to your routine, but it can’t remove the sticky film of plaque and food particles from your teeth. It helps to kill some bacteria but is not a substitute for the physical scrubbing action of a toothbrush and floss.
4. What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that can be removed at home with a toothbrush and floss. Tartar is hardened, calcified plaque that can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
5. How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?
Many dentists recommend a professional cleaning and check-up every six months, although the frequency may vary based on individual needs. However, if you are prone to plaque and tartar buildup or have gum disease, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits.
Ready to Take Control of Your Oral Health?
Start today by committing to brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. If you haven’t had a professional cleaning in a while, it’s a great time to book an appointment with Wollongong Dentist 4 U.
For residents in the Illawarra region, searching for ‘dentists Wollongong’ can help you find a local clinic for a professional cleaning.
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