Get The Facts On Plaque From Our Toluca Lake Dentists

Written by Dr. McKay on Jul 24, 2018

Keeping your smile looking, feeling, and smelling healthy takes focused care and diligence. A lot of the at-home dental care that we prioritize is designed to do this by minimizing and clearing away plaque. Keep reading to learn more from our Toluca Lake dentists about what plaque is, how it impacts your oral health, and what you can do about it.

As you go throughout your day, oral bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates in your mouth. The energy they derive from these substances allow the bacteria to grow and multiply. The bacteria coalesce in sticky film called plaque; this film coats your teeth and gum tissues as the day goes on.

Here’s the thing about plaque: when it is left undisturbed for a day or two it actually calcifies into a substance called tartar. At this point, the calcified plaque is very difficult to remove from the tooth surface; you’ll need a professional cleaning to clear it away.

That is why is so important for patients to brush and their teeth every morning and night, and floss once a day. The goal is to clean plaque off of your smile before it is able to calcify.

If you’re dealing with a build-up of plaque or tartar, you may notice some changes to your smile:

  • Chronic, hard-to-treat bad breath (because bacteria emit unpleasant odors)
  • A visible yellow or brown substance on your teeth, most likely located where your teeth meet your gum tissue
  • Your teeth may feel rough or gritty when you run your teeth over them; clean and healthy enamel feels slick

The best way to take control of plaque production in your mouth is to partner with your dentist to build a personalized treatment plan. No matter what the current state of your smile, our Toluca Lake dentists are here to help you optimize your oral health. We look forward to speaking with you!