About Plaque
Most of us learn about plaque in Primary school health classes. But the health problems with plaque are worth reiterating. And of course, there is more to know beyond a primary school understanding.
Plaque is the sticky white film that forms on our teeth. It is produced by bad bacteria in the mouth. If left on the teeth this plaque will cause tooth decay and gum infections. If left for more than a day or two this plaque will mineralize and harden, turning into tartar.
Fighting Plaque
Our diet will affect the production of plaque. If we tend to eat a lot of sugar and carbohydrates (especially processed carbohydrates) we will encourage more bad bacteria in the mouth, leading to more plaque. Altering our diet can fight this in several ways. Eating less sugar and carbohydrates will help reduce the bad bacteria. Eating probiotics like yogurt and Kimchi will introduce more good bacteria, which will also reduce the bad bacteria. We can also eat cashews, drink green tea and use chewing gum with Xylitol; these help fight bad bacteria. Drinking water also helps fight plaque.
Of course, primary school lessons still apply. Brushing our teeth twice daily and flossing once daily will go a long way to removing the plaque on our teeth, and greatly reducing tooth decay.
About Tartar
Plaque left on the teeth turns to tartar. This tartar is the hard yellow/brown deposit that tends to form on and under the gumline. It is very hard to remove unless you have professional treatment from a dentist.
Tartar will cause, or at least increase the risk of, gum infections and tooth decay. The sooner we have a dental professional remove the tartar the better. Removal now prevents more severe problems in the near future. The tartar under the gum line is the most difficult area to clean.
Looking for a Dentist in Castle Hill?
Regular dental check-ups will detect problems in their earliest stages. They also remove tartar deposits on the teeth which cause serious damage. Call us today to make a booking.
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