Plaque...The Enemy

Do you ever wonder why your dentist says plaque is so important to remove?  Most people have been told since childhood that regular brushing and flossing is the only way to avoid plaque on  their teeth says Marietta cosmetic dentist.  Let's examine plaque and take a look at some ways  to avoid its build up on your beautiful smile...

Have you ever wondered exactly what plaque is? It's starts off as a tacky substance of bacteria that produces a sticky chemical called mucopolysaccharides. The bacteria lives in a film on teeth called biofilm.  At first, it is a soft layer that's easy to remove with a tooth-brush.  If it's not removed, it releases acid which can affect the tooth's enamel.  The result is a hole in the tooth called a cavity.   Plaque, if not properly removed,  it will begin to harden and become a substance called tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with a tooth-brush.  If it gets to this point, your dentist or hygienist will have to remove it for you. "Being consistent with your oral hygiene helps keep plaque and tartar off your teeth" says Marietta dentist. Lets take a look at some bad habits to avoid so plaque does not build-up...

Habit 1.... Staying away from the dentist!

Brushing and flossing daily, although great for oral hygiene doesn't remove all the plaque on your teeth. It's very important to schedule professional cleanings regularly at your dental office to remove what you may have missed.  Some of the missed plaque could harden to form tartar and the only way to get it removed is with regular professional cleanings. It has been proven that people who go to the dentist have less cavities and less tooth loss.  Most dentists recommend professional cleanings at least twice a year to ensure complete removal of unwanted plaque.

Habit 2.... Not brushing properly

Other people might not notice your brushing habits aren't perfect, but your teeth will suffer. It's important to  brush at least twice daily to ensure the removal of unwanted plaque.   It's good idea to buy a Sonicare toothbrush and use it the recommended two minutes.  Also, the use a fluoride-containing toothpaste helps keep teeth strong.  Make sure you brush all surfaces of your teeth, and keep in mind that its very important to still schedule regular professional cleanings.

Habit 3.... Not flossing at all

Brushing your teeth itself doesn't remove all the plaque in the spaces between your teeth. Flossing is very important to help remove plaque in the spaces your tooth-brush can't reach. Daily flossing can help remove plaque before it becomes a serious problem. It removes any plaque along the gum line helping avoid the dreaded periodontal, gum disease. Flossing is one of the key ways to keep your teeth in the best possible health.

The three habits listed are three excellent ways to have healthy oral hygiene.  Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits ensure that you are on your way to or maintaining healthy oral hygiene.  Although plaque does not start out a serious problem, it becomes one over time.  It's very important to keep up with all three to keep a healthy beautiful smile, says dentist in Marietta, GA.