Having the perfect smile is something all of us strive for, whether it be going to work, going out with friends, or visiting with family, there is no situation where a good smile isn’t wanted. Unfortunately, there are a few things that can happen that deter you from having the perfect smile, but if you have the right people in your corner, you can get easy and fast solutions to any kind of dental emergency!
Dental plaque is something that a lot of people will experience sometime in their lifetime. It is a very real problem, and over time it can really affect the health of your teeth. Photo perfect teeth are something you want, and it is something that we can help you achieve, no matter the problem, Sheehan Dental will always be here to serve you!
First Things First: What is Dental Plaque?
Dental Plaque is a sticky yellowish film that forms on your teeth. It is the direct combination of saliva, foods, and liquids producing bacteria and, in turn, causing plaque that forms on and in between your teeth as well as along the line of your gums.
Dental plaque can form fast and act quickly; that is why taking the appropriate measures to prevent plaque from forming is extremely important at any and every moment you can!
How can Dental Plaque Affect My Teeth?
Unknown by many, but dental plaque can be the root cause of a variety of different oral health issues. Bacteria that are found in plaque produce different acids that can degrade tooth enamel leading to complex dental problems like cavities. Plaque can also cause different problems like gum disease, bad breath, and a yellow stain on your beautiful smile.
Fight Back Against Dental Plaque
Now you may have a question that people from across the world are constantly asking when regarding their dental health: how do I prevent plaque from forming on my teeth? The answer is simple, clean them.
If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth, your teeth can develop an unattractive yellow/brown color caused by an excessive build-up of plaque. As we mentioned before, plaque can form on your gums, between your teeth, and on them, so it is important that you both brush and floss at least twice a day. But you shouldn’t stop there!
Here are some Sheehan Dental Tips to cleaning your teeth on your own:
- Always floss first. Flossing will remove any pieces of food, liquids, and plaque build-up that lay between the teeth, on the teeth, and in hard to reach places,
- After you have finished flossing, it is time to trust in your toothbrush. Brush your teeth, starting in the back of the mouth using a short and circular motion. Brush both the front and back on the front teeth first and then switch to your back teeth.
- After all is said and done, rinse your mouth with a dentist-approved mouthwash. This will release any bacteria remaining in your mouth.
We can only do so much to clean our teeth; we can take every precaution but still find ourselves being the victim of dental plaque. After a lot of plaque build-up, tartar forms, and tartar can be very difficult to remove. That is why we highly recommend coming into Sheehan Dental to have regular professional cleanings for your teeth. It’s fast, easy, and can stop plaque directly in its tracks!
Beyond The Brush: What You Can Do To Prevent Dental Plaque
Keeping up with dental hygiene both inside and outside the clinic is something we should always do, but there are a few other things we can do to prevent the build-up of plaque. This is usually done by changes in our diets and cutting back on things like sugar, starch, and acidic foods. For example:
- Desserts
- Candy
- Bread
- Chips
- Sodas
- Juices
- Sports drinks
You don’t need to cut out all of the foods that you enjoy, but to prevent dental plaque, try to avoid consuming the foods mentioned above in high excess.
Preventing and Treating Dental Plaque with Sheehan Dental
Regular dental checkups and cleanings with our team can increase the prevention of dental plaque while also helping other oral problems. During your checkup, we will examine the entire mouth, checking for any indications of tooth decay and gum disease while also removing any plaque or tartar that is situated on your teeth. We will also recommend different brands of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes so that you can reduce your time in the dental clinic!
We are here to serve you, so for any information or appointments, don’t hesitate to contact us today to get the answers and results that you are looking for! We want your smile to glow, so contact Sheehan Dental today for all of your dental needs!