There is a common issue that can wreak havoc on smiles of all ages: dental plaque. Dental plaque is a buildup of bacteria that can cause dental problems. It’s important to know how plaque forms, what the symptoms are, and how to get rid of it. Read on for more information about plaque, tartar, and how to protect your smile.

What is Dental Plaque?

Dental plaque is a bacterial film that builds up on teeth. It’s made mostly of bacteria, but food particles also get caught in it. Dental plaque sticks to the surface of the tooth and forms because bacteria in your mouth produce chemicals that cause dental plaque build ups. The plaque uses the food particles to grow until it begins to irritate the gums. Soon, your gums begin to recede and form pockets that become infected. The bacteria in these pockets causes gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Dental Plaque Signs

Knowing how dental plaque forms is important, but knowing the signs of plaque buildup is important so you can get rid of it before it becomes a serious issue. Dental plaque forms in some pretty obvious ways, but if your dental hygiene isn’t quite up to par, you might not be able to tell that you have dental problems yet.

Here are some signs that can indicate an existing or impending problems:

Symptoms:

• A fuzzy feeling on the teeth is the top sign that you have plaque.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Red, swollen, tender gums that bleed after brushing.

Complications

If you don’t brush and floss daily, plaque can harden into tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar can lead to:

• Cavities.
• Gingivitis and periodontal disease.
• Severe gum infection.
• Tooth decay and loss.
• Tooth infection.

What is Tartar?

Tartar is a buildup of plaque that’s turned into hard calculus. It forms on teeth and can only be removed by a professional dentist. Tartar and plaque work together and create dental disease in your mouth.  Tartar not only leads to periodontal disease but also affects the gums’ ability to heal. If you have tartar build up, it can increase your chances of infection and make it hard for the gum tissue to recover after surgery.

Symptoms of Dental Tartar

Dental tartar is pretty much plaque that’s turned into hard calculus and it’s formed in the same way as plaque: by bacteria that sticks to teeth and feeds on food particles. Dental tartar is only removed by dental professionals so you should see a dentist if you think your teeth have tartar buildup.

How to Prevent Dental Plaque Buildup

Since dental plaque forms so easily, it’s important to know how to prevent it from forming in the first place. The best way is by brushing and flossing every day. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time can help you get rid of built-up plaque and tartar. Flossing not only helps you remove food particles that contribute to plaque buildup, it also cleans in between your teeth, where brushing can’t reach.

Don’t forget to brush the insides of your cheeks and tongue to remove bacteria from those surfaces as well. Mouthwash can help kill existing bacteria or rinse away particles, but it can’t stop plaque from forming. The best thing for your dental hygiene is brushing and flossing every day.

How to Get Rid of Plaque Buildup

It’s important to get rid of plaque buildup because the bacteria in the film irritates your gums, which can lead to serious problems. If you already have gum irritation or infection, your dentist can help you get rid of plaque buildup with scaling and root planing. This process uses special tools to remove all traces of tartar build up from beneath the gum line. If left untreated, plaque buildup can lead to tooth loss.

It’s important to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing every day. If you already have symptoms of dental plaque buildup, or any other dental issues, visit your dentist as soon as possible for a checkup and cleaning.

Fight Plaque with Mountain Aire Dentistry

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we understand how important dental hygiene is. That is why we have a dedicated team of professionals that will help ensure you have healthy teeth for life. If you or a loved one is showing signs of plaque or tartar buildup, we encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. Chris Bockrath and Mountain Aire Dentistry.  We will help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.

You can find our practice conveniently located right here in Broomfield. Call us today for an appointment: (303) 731-7755!