You’ve probably heard of dental plaque before, but do you know what it is? More importantly, do you know how it can affect your smile? Understanding how dental plaque forms and how you can combat it is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Middletown Commons Family Dental in Louisville, KY offers some information on dental plaque along with oral hygiene tips to help our patients prevent dental plaque buildup.

What Is Dental Plaque?

As you might know, oral bacteria feed on food particles to produce acid. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and acid that forms on the surface of your teeth. It’s that slimy coating you can feel when you run your tongue over your teeth when you first wake up in the morning. On its own, plaque can damage your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease. If plaque isn’t regularly removed from your teeth, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed during a professional cleaning.

How Do I Know if I’m at Risk for Dental Plaque?

While everyone has dental plaque to some degree, some people are at a higher risk. If your diet is high in sugar and starches, you may experience more plaque buildup. If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth, your risk for plaque increases. Smoking, dry mouth, and other medical conditions can also lead to plaque buildup.

How Can I Prevent Plaque at Home?

The good news is that plaque buildup is usually preventable if you follow a good at-home routine! This includes brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Additionally, you should floss once every day to remove food particles from those harder-to-reach places. Some patients also find that using a water flosser is a good way to keep their mouth clean. Eating sweets in moderation will give oral bacteria less fuel to attack your teeth. By following these tips to prevent plaque buildup, you’re well on your way to achieving a healthy smile. To ask our team any questions about your oral health or to schedule your next preventive care appointment, call us today!