What is Plaque…and What Can You Do About It?

Run your tongue over your teeth. Do they feel like they have sweaters on them? That fuzzy feeling is an overabundance of plaque. But 40ish-dude-shrugwhat is plaque? Why is it so bad for your teeth? And how can you get rid of it?

Let’s learn all about plaque!

Where does plaque come from?

Tiny bacteria live inside your mouth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains these bacteria, clinging to your teeth and contributing to tooth decay.

How does plaque cause damage?

The bacteria in plaque eat sugars, creating waste products as they digest the sugars. These waste products are acids, which then break down tooth enamel and cause the dreaded cavities.

Now…how do you get rid of it?

There are several things you can do to cut down on the amount of plaque on your teeth. We suggest you:

  • Brush at least twice a day.
  • Floss once a day to get plaque between teeth.
  • Lessen the amount of sugary and carbohydrate-rich food you eat.
  • Quit smoking! Smoke leaves sticky residue on your teeth, increasing hard plaque.
  • Visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning.

Follow all these tips, and you just might remain cavity-free!