|
Plaque in Teeth
While cosmetic dentistry has truly taken
hold in America as one of the best ways to improve the way you look and feel,
sometimes people forget that the most basic way to have a good smile is proper
teeth management.
This means proper brushing and flossing
to prevent tooth decay. And as we all
know plaque and its evil evolved brother tartar cause this tooth decay. But what exactly is plaque?
Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacterial known as
plaque. Following a meal or snack, the bacterial release acids that attack
tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down, eventually
resulting in cavities.
Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and
cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Brushing
and cleaning between teeth become more difficult when tartar collects above the
gum line. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called
gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease.
Preventing Decay:
- Brush your teeth twice
a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth
daily with floss or an inter-dental cleaner.
- Eat a balanced diet and
limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist
regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a
protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of
the back teeth where decay often starts.
There is no cosmetic dentist
in America who is going to perform a dental procedure on a mouth that is covered
in plaque or tartar. So before you go
in for your consultation make sure to give your teeth a thorough brushing.
This of course should be
preceded by your normal three times a day brushing, or at least brushing after every
meal. You can also moderate your diet
to prevent the spread of plaque.
Most of the suggestions you will be well familiar with from your
youth. Namely, staying away from sugary
sweets and never, ever go to bed after eating a sugary snack and not brush your
teeth. The film on your teeth will work
over time while you sleep to decay your teeth, rot your gums and turn your
mouth into the worst place in the world.
Also, be sure to brush your
tongue, this is one of the places where bacteria can hide.
|
