Dental Plaque and Oral Hygiene

If you consistently brush and floss your teeth every day and have a check and clean every six months, but still wake up with stinky morning breath, often dental plaque is the culprit. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take at home to fight plaque and protect your vibrant smile.

What is Dental Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky film that develops on, and sticks to your teeth. Sometimes plaque is hard to see, but it eventually becomes a darker colour or yellow and causes your teeth to look discolored.

Whenever you eat food or drinks which contain sugar or carbohydrates, dental plaque usually develops. Bacteria inside your mouth combines with the sugar and carbs to produce acid. This acid can cause cavities, gingivitis  to develop as well as other serious oral health problems.

The Dangers of Dental Plaque

Because it’s hard to see and you don’t notice any issues, it’s easy to ignore. Over time it can cause severe damage to your teeth and gums.

If plaque is on your teeth for a long time, it attacks and wears away enamel, resulting in cavities and chronic tooth decay.

If nothing is done about the plaque, it hardens and becomes what is called tartar. Tarter is even more dangerous, because it accumulates along the gum line and causes swelling, irritation, and bleeding. This can lead to gingivitis which is a serious gum disease. While gingivitis can be addressed and usually reversed, it’s vital to give your mouth the care and attention it needs before gingivitis turns into periodontitis.

Get Rid of Plaque at Home

Plaque is constantly accumulating in your mouth, so here are some tips to keep plaque under control and prevent the complications of tartar, gingivitis and periodontitis:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Ask Dr Downing for  recommendations.
  • Floss every day to remove plaque from between the teeth
  • Limit foods that are high in sugar, processed, and refined
  • Choose nutritious meals high in smile-friendly calcium, vitamin C, potassium, phosphorous, and vitamin D
  • Drink water instead of soft drinks or acidic fruit drinks

If you follow your dentist’s at home hygiene suggestions, you may reduce your chances of developing dental problems and keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life.

Regular Check and Cleans

It’s also essential to visit your family dentist in Sydney every six months for a preventive checkup and thorough cleaning. During every appointment, Dr Downing will do a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums after the dental hygienist has removed any plaque and tartar buildup. Potential issues can be addressed now rather than waiting until it’s too late.

A dental check-up and clean can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. If you have no dental concerns and your teeth are in great shape, we’ll just perform the clean, scaling, polishing, maybe apply fluoride and you can be on your way within a few minutes.

Usually once a year, we’ll take detailed x-rays to look out for any potential issues that can’t be seen from the outside.

Call one of our friendly office staff today to book your next check and clean to give your smile the protection it deserves.