Learn about things that cause Plaque.
Ever felt a fuzzy soft deposit on the surface of your tooth? Especially when you have not been brushing your teeth properly? Sometimes it may be felt as a coating on your tooth after having citrus foods or drinks. That particular deposit is called plaque, read on to know more about it.
What is plaque?
Oral cavity contains millions of bacteria. These form settlements around our teeth and are visible in the form of dental plaque, a white coloured soft deposit. It’s also called as biofilm and is basically a bacterial colony. Sometimes when you don’t brush your teeth properly you can feel the soft texture on your teeth.
Why is it harmful?
These bacteria in the plaque also love sugars the way we do. They break the sugar down to make energy for themselves.
The drawback is production of acid in the process. These acids break the enamel of the tooth by dissolving the Calcium in it. The result — cavity formation.
Plaque can also deposit on the tooth roots beneath the gums and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth.
What All Food Items Can Cause Plaque Deposition?
Sugary sour candies- we all know that candy is bad for teeth. But sour candies are chewy and stick to your teeth for a very long time.
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Bread- When saliva breaks down the bread into sugar, it becomes a sticky paste-like substance which gets deposited between teeth. This causes tooth decay. Consider whole wheat to reduce the damage.
Carbonated beverages- these do the dual damage of coating your teeth with acid as well as the sugar content in them causes tooth caries. Plaque is easily deposited and causes damage to the tooth.
Potato chips and dried fruits- both are sticky and loaded with carbohydrates. They stick in the spaces between teeth and lead to plaque accumulation and subsequently caries.
How to Prevent Plaque Formation
According to Dentzz reviews, following preventive measures help in limiting plaque deposition on tooth:
- To prevent buildup of plaque, brush your teeth two times a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth at least once daily to remove the trapped food particles and bacteria from between teeth.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouth wash to reduce bacteria that cause plaque deposition.
- Go for a regular check up after every 6 months to your dentist or hygienist.
- Consult your dentist for a dental sealant application. These are transparent coatings done on the teeth to protect them from caries or tooth decay.
- Incorporate a diet that’s high in fibre.
