Plaque is the colorless, sticky substance that accumulates on the surface of teeth. It contains bacteria that cause cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems for your child. Here, the dental care experts at Pedodontic Associates in Honolulu, HI, provide further information about plaque and how to prevent it.

How Plaque Forms

The mouth needs saliva, bacteria, carbohydrates, and food particles to form plaque. Foods that contain a lot of sugar have more carbohydrates, so if your child tends to snack on candy or cookies often, they’re more likely to develop plaque. When you chew food, it breaks down into carbohydrates and feeds mouth bacteria that then produce acid. The acid combines with food particles and saliva to create plaque. 

How Brushing Gets Rid of Plaque

Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and food particles. Dental care experts recommend teaching your child to brush for at least two minutes, taking care to clean the top, front, and back of all teeth.

Risks of Not Brushing

Failing to brush regularly can lead to an accumulation of plaque that will eat away at your child’s teeth and cause cavities. If plaque gathers close to the gum line, it can create toxins that cause the gums to swell and bleed. 

In addition to regular dental cleanings, instilling good oral health habits in your child can reduce the formation of plaque on their teeth. If it has been more than six months since your child’s last teeth cleaning and checkup, bring them to the dental care experts at Pedodontic Associates. This practice has been in business for over 25 years and specializes in dentistry for children. These professionals focus on preventative care and offer everything from annual cleanings to fluoride treatments. To schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, call the location nearest you: (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. Visit their website for more information on their services.