Plaque Buildup: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It

Built up plaque on teeth is a common issue that can lead to serious oral health problems if not addressed promptly. Here's a quick breakdown of what you need to know:

• What is plaque? It's a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that continually forms on your teeth.
• How does it turn into tartar? If plaque isn't removed, it hardens into tartar within 24 to 72 hours.
• Why is it a problem? Tartar can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
• What can you do? Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.

Plaque and tartar are more than just dental nuisances—they're stepping stones to poor oral health. Think of plaque as the unwanted guest that constantly hangs around your teeth, feeding on sugars and forming that sticky layer. Left unchecked, it hardens into tartar, the stubborn invader that you can't evict without a dentist's help.

Fortunately, keeping your smile bright doesn't have to be a chore. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are your best defense against these pesky dental challenges.

Understanding Plaque Buildup

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that clings to your teeth. This film is a biofilm made up of hundreds of types of bacteria. These tiny organisms are constantly reproducing and thrive in the moist environment of your mouth.

What Causes Plaque?

Plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugars and other carbohydrates from the food you eat. Your saliva plays a role too, as it helps bacteria stick to the surfaces of your teeth. This sticky film can start forming in as little as 24 hours after cleaning your teeth.

Key Contributors to Plaque Formation:

• Bacteria: Naturally occurring in your mouth, these germs feed on sugars.
• Sugars: Found in many foods and drinks, sugars provide energy for bacteria.
• Saliva: Helps bacteria attach to teeth surfaces, forming plaque.

Plaque vs. Tartar

While plaque is soft and can be easily removed with regular brushing and flossing, it can quickly turn into tartar if not addressed. Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that forms when minerals in your saliva combine with plaque. Unlike plaque, tartar is tough and requires a dental professional to remove.

Differences Between Plaque and Tartar:

• Plaque: Soft, sticky, and colorless. Easily managed with daily oral care.
• Tartar: Hard, crusty, and can be yellow or brown. Needs professional cleaning.

Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar is crucial for maintaining good oral health. While plaque is a common daily occurrence, allowing it to harden into tartar can lead to more severe dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease. Regular oral hygiene and dental visits are essential to keep these at bay.

How to Prevent Plaque Buildup

Preventing built up plaque on teeth is all about maintaining a solid oral hygiene routine and making smart dietary choices. Let's explore the essentials.

Daily Oral Care Routine

A strong daily oral care routine is your first line of defense against plaque.

1. Brushing:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle in gentle, circular motions.
- Cover all tooth surfaces, including the inside, outside, and chewing areas.
- Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
- Aim for at least two minutes of brushing, twice a day.

2. Flossing:
- Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria between teeth.
- Options include dental floss, pre-threaded flossers, or water flossers.

3. Antiseptic Mouthwash:
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria that cause plaque.
- Rinse at a different time than brushing to maximize benefits.

Dietary Considerations

Your diet plays a big role in how much plaque builds up on your teeth.

1. Limit Sugary Foods:
- Sugars feed bacteria in plaque, so cut back on sweets, candies, and sugary drinks.
- Be cautious with starchy foods like potato chips and bread, which can also contribute to plaque.

2. Choose a Healthy Diet:
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Foods like celery can help remove food particles and neutralize plaque-causing acids.
- Dairy products like cheese and yogurt are good choices as they contain calcium, which strengthens teeth.

3. Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist, which is crucial for saliva production.

By following a consistent oral care routine and making mindful dietary choices, you can significantly reduce plaque buildup and maintain a healthier smile. Up next, we'll explore how to remove plaque that has already formed on your teeth.

Removing Built Up Plaque on Teeth

Even with the best daily care, some plaque can still manage to stick around. Let's explore how to tackle built up plaque on teeth both at home and with professional help.

At-Home Techniques

1. Brushing and Flossing:
- Continue using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste.
- Focus on brushing twice a day for at least two minutes.
- Don't skip flossing! Use dental floss, pre-threaded flossers, or water flossers to reach between teeth.

2. Mouthwash:
- An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce plaque-causing bacteria.
- Use it at a different time than brushing to get the most out of both.

3. Baking Soda:
- Occasionally brushing with a baking soda toothpaste can help remove plaque without harming enamel.
- Baking soda's abrasive nature helps scrub away plaque while its high pH neutralizes acids.

Professional Dental Cleaning

When at-home care isn't enough, a professional dental cleaning is key to removing stubborn plaque and tartar.

1. Dental Hygienist:
- Regular visits to a dental hygienist are crucial.
- They use specialized tools to effectively remove plaque and tartar.

2. Scaling:
- This process involves scraping away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
- It's a thorough cleaning that reaches areas your toothbrush can't.

3. Polishing:
- After scaling, teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth out enamel.
- This makes it harder for plaque to stick to your teeth in the future.

Professional cleanings not only remove built-up plaque but also help prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. Up next, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about plaque buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plaque Buildup

How does plaque affect oral health?

Plaque is more than just a sticky film on your teeth. It's a hub for bacteria that can lead to gingivitis and cavities. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.

Cavities, on the other hand, are holes in your teeth caused by the acids produced by plaque bacteria. These acids erode your tooth enamel, leading to decay. Without proper care, cavities can cause toothaches, infections, and even tooth loss.

Can plaque be removed at home?

Yes, you can remove plaque at home with consistent oral hygiene practices. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth.

Flossing is just as important. It helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. You can use dental floss, pre-threaded flossers, or water flossers for this task.

While these methods are effective in managing plaque, they can't remove hardened tartar. For that, you'll need professional cleaning.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Routine checkups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. It's recommended to visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. During these visits, a dental hygienist will remove any tartar buildup through scaling and polishing.

Regular dental visits not only help keep your teeth clean but also allow your dentist to catch any potential issues early, preventing more serious problems down the line.

Conclusion

At Champaign Dental Group, we believe that a healthy smile is a happy smile. Our mission is to provide comprehensive care that meets the unique needs of each patient. From regular checkups and cleanings to advanced treatments like teeth whitening and dental implants, we are dedicated to ensuring the best possible care for you and your family.

Our team is committed to using state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care to make your dental visits as comfortable and effective as possible. We understand that dental health is a crucial part of your overall well-being, and we strive to educate our patients on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

We are also deeply involved in our community. Since 1997, we have been serving the Champaign County area, building lasting relationships with our patients. Our community involvement reflects our dedication to not just improving smiles, but also enriching lives.

For more information about our services and how we can help you maintain a healthy mouth, visit our Dental Hygiene Services page. Let us be your partner in achieving and maintaining a bright, healthy smile.

Thank you for choosing Champaign Dental Group. We look forward to welcoming you to our family!