What Is Plaque?
Most people have heard of the word “plaque,” and know it’s not something you want on your teeth. Yet they don’t know what exactly plaque is or how it contributes to dental decay.
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that lives on the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. It accumulates from normal daily activities such as eating and drinking, especially if you’ve been consuming a lot of sugars and starches. Ever had that fuzzy feeling on your teeth that goes away after you give them a good brush? Yep, that’s plaque.
Plaque is what contributes to dental decay, as bacteria like to consume the sugars in your mouth and excrete acids that wear away at your tooth enamel. When you don’t regularly brush and floss away plaque, it forms tartar. Tartar is the calcified substance on your teeth that only professional cleaning can remove. Our dental hygienists will clean your teeth and check to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
To Regularly Remove Plaque:
- Brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Floss at least once a day to remove plaque that your brush can’t reach.
- Visit us for your regular dental cleanings.
Contact Library Park Dental at 262-654-6535 today to schedule an appointment to clean your teeth. Removing plaque is the first step towards a healthy mouth.