Plaque is an invisible film filled with bacteria that forms on the teeth, especially in the connection between the teeth and the gums. When it is excessive, the person may have the feeling of having dirty teeth, even though he cannot see any difference.
These bacteria located there ferment the sugar coming from the food, changing the pH of the teeth and this allows bacteria to enter the dentin, giving rise to cavities. When a person does not floss or brush their teeth, this plaque can increase in size and affect the tongue and throat, and when they harden they give rise to tartar.
Tartar is actually the accumulation of bacterial plaque that has been in contact with saliva for a long time and ended up hardening. When tartar is present it can be seen stuck between the teeth, being a type of 'dirt' that does not come out when brushing your teeth, or when using dental floss, being necessary to remove it at the dentist, through cleaning with instruments like curette and other dental instruments.
Consequences of plaque
The first consequence of plaque is to facilitate the entry of bacteria into the dentin of the tooth, which gives rise to:
- Caries that cause the appearance of a small hole or dark spot on the tooth, as well as toothache, in the most advanced cases. Formation of tartar, which is a hardened substance, difficult to remove at home; Gingivitis, which causes redness and bleeding from gum.
When plaque is in the throat, gargling with mouthwashes or warm water and salt can be helpful for its elimination. If there is a sore throat other gargles can be used, see some natural options for gargling and clearing the throat.
How to remove plaque
Everyone has a thin layer of transparent bacterial plaque on their teeth, and it is normal that when using a plaque-evidencing product, everyone can see it on their teeth, cheeks, tongue or throat.
To remove this thin, invisible layer of bacteria from the teeth and inside the mouth, floss and brush your teeth every day. Finally, it is also recommended to use a mouthwash, such as Listerine or Periogard, to completely clean the mouth, removing as many bacteria as possible. With this care, excess bacteria are removed every day, and there is always a good balance inside the mouth.
When plaque forms tartar, substances such as baking soda can be used to better scrub your teeth in order to have a homemade removal and a better cleaning of your teeth. However, excessively rubbing your teeth with baking soda can eliminate the enamel that covers your teeth, giving cavities an opportunity to manifest. Therefore, it is only advisable to brush your teeth with baking soda only once a week.
If this is not enough to eliminate tartar from your teeth, you should go to the dentist so that he can make a professional cleaning, with water jets or special instruments.
How to prevent plaque
It is impossible to completely remove all bacteria from the mouth, but to prevent plaque from becoming excess and causing dental problems, it is necessary to:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, the last one always before going to sleep; Floss your teeth before using the brush, at least before going to sleep; Always use alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid burning your mouth; Avoid eat foods high in sugars and carbohydrates during the day, when you cannot brush your teeth right afterwards.
To complement these tips, individuals should go to the dentist at least once a year to remove the plaque from the most difficult places, such as the back of the mouth, for example. It is also important to keep your teeth clean, aligned and firm and therefore it may be necessary to do some dental treatment such as using braces on your teeth, for example, since well aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and prevent the formation of plaque and Tartarus.
The toothbrush must be soft and completely cover the person's tooth, so adults should not use brushes suitable for children, and vice versa. Manual brushes should be changed every 3 or 6 months, but whenever they are worn and with bent bristles. In case you prefer the electric toothbrush, you should prefer one that has a rounded head and is soft, and these are more effective in eliminating food debris, bacterial plaque and even tartar.
Check out these and other tips to maintain good oral health and avoid frequent visits to the dentist:
