Dental care is more than going to the dentist. It involves the health of dental care as one of the foremost issues of well-being. The source of oral health problems is mainly plaque. Not that it is a sticky, colorless film developing on the teeth, but rather it harbors bacteria. This will eventually lead to worse dental conditions like tooth decay and gum diseases if left untreated. Knowing about dental plaque and how to remove it properly will save you from future costly and painful dental treatments. Regardless of where you get your dental treatment in Mt Vernon, NY, or any dentist, controlling plaque is the secret to long-term dental health.
What is Plaque
Dental plaque is a constantly forming soft, sticky layer of bacteria on your teeth. Formed from the bacteria in your mouth mixing with sugar-rich or starch-based food products, it thrives on the sugars created by the food and liquids you ingest; it produces acids that can dissolve away tooth enamel and form holes for cavities. For example, plaque can cause gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis that might lead to teeth loss if left untreated.
Dental plaque, if not removed for some time, forms tartar or calculus. This hardened plaque is only removable by a professional dentist. Regular dental check-up becomes essential for oral health.
Why Plaque is Bad
Plaque is dangerous not only because it leads to cavities and gum disease but because it constantly resides on your teeth. Your food and drinks contain sugar and acid-containing materials which, eventually are consumed by the bacteria of plaque. These acids cause weakening down of tooth enamel and create cavities. The acids also become irritating to the gums; they turn red, inflamed, and start bleeding, which are symptoms of the first stage of gum disease.
If not addressed, it progresses to more harmful stages of periodontitis. Here, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating spaces that become infected. Without it, more complications, like loss of teeth or more complex treatments with the dental clinic, might occur.
How Do You Remove Dental Plaque?
Removing the dental plaque effectively helps to ensure that you have good oral health. The good thing is that it can be done through good oral hygiene practices and professional dental care. How do you do it then?
1. Oral Hygiene through Thorough Brushing of Your Teeth
Good oral hygiene begins with brushing your teeth at least twice a day. But what you do in the process is as important as the process itself. Use a soft-bristled brush position the brush at an angle of about 45 degrees to your gums and work in gentle circular motions. Use enough force that feels comfortable; remember, the harder you scrub the longer the plaque survives. Brush all surfaces of your teeth: outer, inner, and chewing. Brush along the surface of your tongue—it’s a bacterial reservoir too.
2. Daily Flossing
Flossing is often something most people see as a step too far, not to bother with. It’s actually just as important as brushing. This is the removal of food particles and plaque in areas that your toothbrush cannot easily reach. If left there, they accumulate to harden into tartar, which would really be hard to remove. So make flossing a habit—and all the plaque should drain off the nooks and crannies of your mouth.
3. Use of Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Mouthwash provides an additional layer of defense against plaque. Choose an antibacterial mouthwash to kill even more germs in your mouth. Mouthwashing is not a replacement for brushing or flossing, but may complement these by killing bacteria throughout your mouth that you cannot brush or clean. Your dentist in Mount Vernon NY will be able to guide you based on your specific needs.
4. Dental Checkup and Cleaning Regularly
Even when you practice proper oral hygiene at home, a visit to your dentist from time to time for professional cleaning and check-ups is always advisable. During the professional cleaning, tartar and plaque that you cannot reach at home will be removed. Aside from the cleaning, the dentist will have an eye out for any signs of dental problems and give you personalized advice on maintaining a healthy smile.
5. See Your Diet
Sugars and starches in your diet feed other types of bacteria also, causing extra plaque. Intake of these can be reduced and replaced with healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and dairy. You could also chew sugar-free gum sometime after you have eaten. This helps activate your saliva. Saliva cleans out food particles and assists in neutralizing acids as well.
6. Use of Plaque Disclosing Tablets
If you are a worried person who feels that you are not removing enough plaque from the surface of your teeth, then disclosing tablets would be a good friend. You can get them over-the-counter or through your dentist and contain a dye for staining the plaque on your teeth. Thus, you will have easily identified regions to direct your brushing and flossing efforts.
Professional Plaque and Tartar Removal: What to Expect
Once tartar starts to form, brushing and flossing will not be able to dislodge it. The only way to get rid of this type of buildup is by having a professional cleaning procedure called prophylaxis. At the end of a cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove this material both above and below the gum line using special instruments. It also prevents what would have otherwise led to gum disease, which would automatically safeguard your dental health for a pretty long time.
In other cases, the treatment might be followed up by more detailed treatment depending on the level of gum infection—scaling and root planing. It provides intensive cleaning for the teeth roots to remove plaque and tartar that build up with the teeth. In Mt Vernon, NY, if you are looking for dental care, you can count for the treatment that will help even with the toughest dental challenges.
How Aurora Smiles in Mt Vernon, NY, Can Help You
At Aurora Smiles, we are involved in your oral care with a focus on prevention and the elimination of plaque to maintain a healthy and radiant smile. Every patient is different and therefore we can do this by developing for you a treatment that is yours alone so your visit is just what you need. From routine cleaning in Mt Vernon, NY, or full services, our experienced team awaits you as you work to keep up a healthy, gorgeous smile.
Our advanced technology combined with tender care treats your dentist visits in the most comfortable and effective way possible. From regular cleaning to more advanced dental treatment, one of the trusted Aurora Smiles in helping you achieve optimal oral health.
Conclusion
Dental plaque and its removal are crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing more serious dental issues. Proper brushing, flossing, using antibacterial mouthwash, and regular professional dental care are effective ways to eliminate plaque, leading to a healthier smile. If you’re near then you should go to the dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY, for routine visits to Aurora Smiles with Dr. Amul Patel will help you maintain your dental health.
Take these simple steps to say goodbye to plaque-related problems and enjoy healthy smiles for life. Contact us today to schedule your check-up and cleaning at Aurora Smiles!