A Dentist in Buford Explains Plaque and What it Does to Teeth

Speaking to a Dentist in Buford can help with better understanding the common issues that plague people’s oral health. Keeping a clean mouth can lead to a better bill of health overall. Since the mouth is the path of least resistance for germs and bacteria to enter the body, letting bacteria fester in the mouth may also lead to internal issues. One of the culprits of this invasion is something called plaque. Learn what this common pest does to the body and how to stop it.

A Dentist in Buford explains plaque basics

When it comes to understanding the best way to maintain a healthy mouth, start out learning about plaque. This condition is one of the most common dental ailments that dentists combat. It occurs in children and adults of every age. It is a substance that coats the teeth. It is almost always unseen, except by the trained eye of a dental professional. Plaque is filled with bacteria that are mostly the result of sugar left behind from the foods and drinks consumed.

The damage plaque does in the mouth

Sugar that sits on the teeth too long turns into a coating that cakes teeth in a harder shell. The bacteria in plaque are actively eating away at the surface of the teeth. If plaque is not removed within two days of settling, it becomes tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone, and the bacteria in it continue to spread, burrowing into teeth and down the surface to the gum line. It continues to eat away at the fleshy part of the gum, pulling the gums away from the teeth, creating gaps. What results is gingivitis, which allows an open pathway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Treating plaque at home and in the dental office

While plaque cannot always be seen, it is almost always present. Therefore, learning how to best combat it before it starts to cause tooth decay and gum disease is essential.

Establish a brushing and flossing routine

A Dentist in Buford wants patients to maintain a clean and healthy brushing and flossing routine at home to prevent plaque from progressing. According to mouthhealthy.org, dentists recommend brushing the teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush for at least two minutes. Patients should also floss at least once a day to remove particles from in between the teeth.

Professional teeth cleaning

Visiting the Dentist in Buford for annual or bi-annual checkups and cleanings will also help keep plaque at bay. Hygienists at the office use intricate tools and special toothpaste to help get all residual deposits out from the surface of the teeth.

Periodontal scaling

If plaque deposits have gone on too long and tartar buildup is rampant, a dentist may suggest a periodontal cleaning. This is typically done in several sessions and involves intense and heavy scraping and brushing to clear the teeth of bacteria. This is usually necessary for patients who have not maintained a proper brushing routine.

Conclusion

Check with a Dentist in Buford to see if you have plaque under control. Staving off tooth decay and gum disease should be a priority for remaining healthy overall. Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.

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