Is Plaque Harmful

You’ve probably heard about plaque and plaque buildup but what is it and is it harmful? Plaque is a very fine film of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. It is clear and sticky. If you do not clean your teeth regularly, at a minimum of once a day, plaque will begin to build up.

Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth feed on the food residue. The bacteria in plaque release acid that attacks tooth enamel.

Many of the bacteria in plaque are the main cause of gum disease and the biggest cause for tooth decay. Plaque also causes gum irritation, inflammation and, in some cases, bleeding.

Therefore, in a word, yes! Plaque is harmful.

By practicing good oral hygiene, you prevent other more serious problems. Regular brushing, flossing and mouth washing will keep plaque away. Brushing removes plaque and debris from the teeth, flossing removes debris and calcium build up from between the teeth where the brushing does not reach. Mouthwashes disinfect the mouth, keeping bacteria at bay.

Some people suggest brushing teeth after each meal and while this is not always practical, twice per day brushing will help keep the mouth healthy.

While personal oral hygiene will keep bacteria away and your mouth smelling fresh, it is advisable to have your teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis of perhaps every six months. Your dental insurance company should be responsible enough not only to encourage you to make regular visits to the family dentist, but also pay towards the costs of your regular checkups, much like Dencover Dental Insurance do. 

Cleaning may take 30 minutes to complete depending on when your teeth were last cleaned professionally. Professional cleaning also keeps your teeth and fillings smooth, making it harder for plaque to build up on your teeth.

If you want good healthy teeth, maintain a twice-daily oral routine and have regular checkups.