Have you ever gone over your teeth with your tongue only to notice a sticky film that feels slick? If so, it's most likely plaque. Plaque may seem harmless, but it can actually contribute to tooth decay or gum disease like gingivitis.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), plaque has bacteria in it which after eating, releases acids that can attach and begin to rot tooth enamel. If you don't take the time to clean your pearly whites, you'll begin to develop cavities.
Your family dentist will also tell you that failure to remove plaque by brushing it away will result in tartar, which is essentially a hardened version of this sticky bacteria-containing film. The longer you wait to address this health issue, the more likely your gum tissue will become inflamed and bleed easily.
However, if you're worried about plaque, rest assured that there are some things that you can do to prevent it from causing severe oral health problems. The ADA advises that regardless of your age, you should schedule regular checkups with an affordable dental care provider like Raleigh dentist Dr. Thomas Cooke.
In addition to getting your pearly whites looked at professionally, it's also important that your brush two times a day using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. This element is responsible for keeping teeth healthy, strong and resistant to erosion.
Finally, you should remember to floss every night. Doing so is imperative to removing stubborn plaque that has accumulated in between teeth.
Of course, if you have any questions regarding regarding plaque and how to maintain a good oral health care regime, make an appointment with a Raleigh dentistry firm. No questions regarding how to keep your mouth healthy should ever go unanswered.
