Think of your teeth like tiny houses in your mouth. Just like houses can get dirty, your teeth can too! But instead of dust, a sticky film called dental plaque builds up on them.
This blog will tell you all about this plaque, why it’s important to get rid of it, and how to keep your teeth sparkling clean and healthy.
What is Dental Plaque?
Imagine a thin, see-through film that slowly covers your teeth. That’s pretty much what dental plaque is. It’s a sticky layer of germs (bacteria) that live in your mouth. These germs love to hang around on your teeth, especially in the tricky spots like between your teeth or near your gums.
Causes of Dental Plaque Build-Up
So, where does this sticky stuff come from? Well, it starts with what you eat and drink. When you have sugary foods or drinks, or even starchy foods like bread and pasta, the germs in your mouth have a feast. As they eat these food bits, they make acids. These acids mix with food particles and your spit (saliva) to create that sticky film we call plaque.
If you don’t clean your teeth properly and regularly, plaque will keep growing. It’s like not cleaning your house—dirt just keeps piling up!
The Importance of Removing Dental Plaque
You might think, “It’s just a bit of sticky stuff, what’s the big deal?” But removing dental plaque is super important for a few big reasons.
First, plaque is full of those nasty germs that make acids. These acids attack your tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Over time, these acid attacks can make tiny holes in your teeth, which we call cavities (or tooth decay). Cavities can hurt and might need fillings.
Second, if plaque stays on teeth near the gums, it can make them sore, red, and swollen. This is called gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Your gums might even bleed when you brush them.
Third, if you don’t get rid of plaque, it can harden into something called tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar is like super-hardened plaque that’s much tougher to remove. Once plaque turns into tartar, you can’t just brush it away yourself.
Professional vs. At-Home Plaque Removal
There are two main ways to get rid of plaque:
- At-home plaque removal: You do this every day, like brushing and flossing. You get rid of the fresh, soft plaque before it has a chance to cause problems or harden.
- Professional plaque removal: This is when you visit your dentist for a clean. They have special tools to remove plaque and tartar that you can’t get rid of on your own.
Both are really important for keeping your mouth healthy. Think of it like this: you clean your house regularly, but every now and then, you might hire a professional cleaner for a deep clean.
The Process of Removing Dental Plaque at the Dentist
When you go to the dentist in Pakenham or your local dentist Berwick for a professional clean, here’s generally what happens:
- Check-up: First, the dentist or dental hygienist will usually have a quick look around your mouth to see if there are any obvious issues.
- Scaling: This is the main part of the clean. They’ll use a special tool, often an ultrasonic scaler, which uses vibrations and water to gently loosen and wash away plaque and tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line. You might hear a whirring sound and feel some tickling or a bit of pressure. They might use hand tools to scrape off the buildup carefully for tougher spots.
- Polishing: After the plaque and tartar are gone, they’ll use a special paste and a spinning brush to polish your teeth. This makes your teeth feel super smooth and helps remove any remaining tiny bits of plaque and stains, making it harder for new plaque to stick.
- Flossing (sometimes): They might also give your teeth a good floss to make sure all the gaps are clean.
- Fluoride Treatment (optional): Sometimes, they might offer a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is like a protective shield for your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to cavities.
It’s usually not painful, though some people might feel a little sensitive, especially if they have a lot of buildup or sensitive gums.
Benefits of Professional Plaque Removal
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist has heaps of benefits:
- Prevents cavities: By removing plaque and tartar, you stop those acid attacks that lead to holes in your teeth.
- Stops gum disease: Professional cleans eliminate the gunk that irritates your gums, helping prevent or even reverse gingivitis.
- Freshens breath: Plaque and tartar can make your breath smell bad. Getting rid of them gives you fresher breath.
- Brighter smile: Polishing removes surface stains, making your teeth look cleaner and brighter.
- Early detection of problems: Your dentist can spot other problems, such as small cavities or other issues, early on before they become bigger and more expensive to fix.
How Often Should Plaque Be Removed?
For most people, it’s recommended to have a professional dental clean every six months. This regular visit helps catch plaque and tartar build-up before it causes serious problems.
However, some people might need to go more often, for example, if they have certain health conditions, are prone to plaque build-up, or have active gum disease. Your dentist will tell you what’s best for you.
How to Prevent Dental Plaque Build-Up
While professional cleans are great, what you do every day at home is just as, if not more, important! Here’s how to stop that sticky plaque from building up:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes each time, covering all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget your tongue, too!
- Floss daily: Flossing gets into those tight spots between your teeth and under the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is crucial for removing dental plaque from these hidden areas.
- Use mouthwash (optional): An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill some of the germs in your mouth, but it’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing.
- Eat a healthy diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks. These feed the plaque-causing germs.
- Drink plenty of water: Water helps wash away food particles and acids.
Common Myths About Plaque Removal
There are a few misunderstandings about getting rid of plaque:
- Myth: You only need to brush when you feel food on your teeth.
- Fact: Plaque is often invisible and constantly forming. You need to brush regularly, even if your teeth feel clean.
- Myth: Chewing gum is just as good as brushing.
- Fact: Sugar-free chewing gum can help clean your teeth a little and make more spit, but it’s no match for brushing and flossing.
- Myth: Bleeding gums mean you should stop brushing.
- Fact: Bleeding gums usually mean you have gingivitis because of plaque. You need to keep brushing gently and flossing to make them healthy again. If bleeding continues, see your dentist.
- Myth: Plaque is only a problem for old people.
- Fact: Plaque can form at any age, from toddlers to seniors. Everyone needs to practise good oral hygiene.
The Link Between Plaque and Gum Disease
We touched on this before, but it’s so important it deserves its own section. Plaque and gum disease are very closely linked.
When plaque sits on teeth near the gums, the germs in the plaque release toxins. These toxins irritate gums, making them red, swollen, and sometimes bleeding easily. This is gingivitis. It’s usually reversible at this stage with good brushing, flossing, and a professional cleaning.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, the gum disease can worsen and become periodontitis. In periodontitis, the infection spreads deeper, affecting the bone that holds your teeth in place. As the bone gets damaged, your gums can pull away from your teeth, forming pockets where more plaque and germs can collect. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may even fall out. This is why plaque build-up treatment is so vital!
Cost of Professional Plaque Removal
The cost of professional plaque removal (a scale and clean) can vary depending on where you go, the complexity of the clean (e.g., if you have a lot of tartar), and if you have health insurance. It’s always best to call your preferred dentist in Berwick or dentist in Pakenham for a current price estimate. Many health insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of routine dental cleanings, so check with your provider.
Conclusion
Keeping your teeth free from dental plaque is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. It’s a team effort between what you do at home every day and your regular visits to the dentist.
By understanding plaque, how it forms, and how to get rid of it, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier smile.
Don’t Let That Sticky Film Win!
Ready to give your teeth the deep clean they deserve? If you’re due for a check-up and professional plaque removal, don’t wait!
Contact your local dentist at Woodleigh Waters Dental Surgery today to book your appointment. Your smile will thank you!