Regular teeth cleaning and dentists visits are keystones of dental care, but have you ever wondered why it’s so important? The answer is plaque, which can damage your teeth if it’s allowed to accumulate. Below is more information about where it comes from, what it does, and how to stop it from ruining your oral health.

What Is Plaque?

Millions of microorganisms live in our mouths, including bacteria. When you consume something — especially if it’s high in sugar or fats — those bacteria feed on the particles and residue left on your teeth. The bacteria, their excretions, and the food residues form a thin, soft material over your teeth, which is what you know as plaque. If it isn’t removed through attentive dental care and teeth cleaning, it hardens into tartar and can only be removed by dentists.

What Does It Do to My Teeth?

The substance that bacteria excrete when they eat is highly acidic, and it eats away at your tooth enamel. Since enamel is the only material that protects the vulnerable inner tissues of your teeth, this opens the door to numerous dental health concerns. Cavities are a primary issue, as the bacterial excretions will erode the inner layers of your teeth. If left untreated, this decay will lead to abscesses and tooth loss. If plaque is allowed to harden into tartar, it can cause periodontal disease by irritating your gums, causing bleeding, inflammation, and recession of the tissue.  

How Do I Fight It?

The best way to prevent dental care issues caused by plaque is a thorough hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and schedule regular visits with your dentist for plaque evaluation and deep teeth cleaning. If you have an abnormal amount of plaque buildup, there are store-bought therapeutic mouthwashes and toothpastes that specifically target plaque and bacteria. Reliable dentists may also recommend prescription-strength products or more frequent cleanings.

For attentive and thorough dental care, put your trust in the office of David E. Smith, DMD, PSC in Nicholasville, KY. Their compassionate team offers comprehensive services, so they can remove plaque and tartar, plus treat the cavities and gum issues they cause. Since their opening, they’ve been passionate about providing excellent oral care. Their dentist is a member of the Kentucky Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Bluegrass Dental Society. Learn useful oral hygiene tips on their Facebook profile online, and call (859) 887-4008 to schedule your appointment.