How to Prevent Plaque

07 Apr How to Prevent Plaque

Do you brush and floss your teeth regularly? Do you make visiting your dentist twice a year a priority? Do you know why it’s so important to do these things? You need to keep your teeth clean if you’re interested in keeping your teeth strong, and you’ve probably heard that removing plaque from your teeth is an important part of this goal—but do you know exactly what plaque could do to your teeth or what you could do to avoid plaque buildup?

Plaque is a soft substance that builds up on your teeth. Plaque typically forms when there’s an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth. If there’s more bad bacteria in your mouth than good, plaque can actually grow faster. The process is also accelerated if you don’t brush and floss consistently, or if you have an unbalanced diet. If you don’t remove plaque from your smile, it will harden into tartar, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease.

It takes around 24 hours for plaque to harden into tartar. Sadly, tartar can’t be removed without visiting a dental professional. If tartar isn’t removed, it could spread below the gum line, which will make it more difficult to remove and leave you more vulnerable to periodontitis.

The best way to avoid problems with plaque is to remove it, and then to avoid plaque buildup thereafter. To stop plaque buildup, we recommend brushing and flossing every day and including crispy foods like apples, carrots, and celery in your diet. Foods like these will naturally help clean your smile.

Finally, please remember to schedule regular checkups with our dentist, Dr. Desiree T. Palmer, DMD . We’ll be happy to examine the health of your teeth and gums and offer you personalized advice. If you’re interested in learning more, or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact Desiree T. Palmer, DMD, PA and Associates at 919-471-9106. We’re eager to hear from you.