Plaque might not sound scary, but it’s one of the biggest threats to your oral health. This sticky, colorless film of bacteria constantly forms on teeth and gums, especially after eating foods that contain sugars or starches. When left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, potentially leading to serious dental problems like gum disease or tooth decay. Fortunately, plaque and tartar —many of which are preventable with good habits.
What Exactly Is Plaque?
Plaque is made up of bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food and drinks you consume. As these bacteria break down sugars, they produce acids. These acids can erode tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, increasing susceptibility to tooth decay and cavities. Plaque can harden, over time, into tartar (also called calculus) that only a professional cleaning can remove.
How Does Plaque Affect Your Health?
In addition to causing cavities, plaque buildup along the gumline can irritate your gums and lead to gingivitis—the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, this can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that may result in tooth loss and damage to the jawbone.
What Can You Do About Plaque?
The good news is that plaque is manageable. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can significantly reduce plaque buildup. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to remove any tartar and catch early signs of trouble before they become serious issues.
Maintaining a plaque-free smile doesn’t have to be difficult—but it does take consistency. With the proper care, you can keep your teeth healthy, your gums strong, and your smile bright for years to come!
Preventive Dental Care You Can Trust in Wilmington, DE!
If you’re looking for a Wilmington dentist to provide the vital preventive care to ensure your family enjoys years of strong, healthy smiles free from plaque and tartar, contact Dr. Jason Justison and the caring and helpful team here at Justison and Gladnick Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!
