Dental plaque – why our dentist Coorparoo doesn’t like it!
After you eat a meal, do you ever run your tongue over your teeth and notice that they feel fluffy or rough?
That sensation is caused by one of the biggest bane’s to dental teams around the world; plaque.
At Brisbane Laser Dentist, our dentist Coorparoo believes that, when it comes to plaque and all of the issues that accompany it, prevention and education of our patients is key. We advise all of our patients to regularly attend dental checkups with us so we can remove plaque and help keep their teeth and mouth health in tip-top shape!
But what exactly is plaque? Why is it so bad and why does our dentist Coorparoo lose sleep over patients having too much of it in their mouths? Read on to find out!
What is plaque?
As we mentioned at the beginning, most people are familiar with how plaque feels on their teeth.
But plaque is more than just an irritating sensation; it is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth throughout the day. Within this plaque, some bacteria produce acids that can cause tooth decay and gum disease if left to their own devices. This is why our dentist Coorparoo is so eager to get our patients flossing and using interdental brushes!
How it harms your oral health
Remember those acids created by the bacteria? Well, they can cause the enamel on your teeth to weaken and thus, cavities will begin to form. This will eventually lead to decay if not detected by our team.
Similarly, plaque in the mouth can also cause the gums to become spongier in texture, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause havoc. If your gums have developed a spongy texture, you will need to see our team as this is a sign of gum disease, which can cause tooth loss.
How it harms the rest of your body
If dental plaque enters your bloodstream via spongy gums, it can activate your immune system. This will create inflammation and heighten your chance of developing a myriad of secondary conditions; everything from cancer to strokes can be linked to excessive amounts of oral plaque.
Also, studies have shown that excessive levels of plaque have been linked to cardiovascular diseases; so, if you have a history of heart-related issues in your family, you may want to see our team to have any problematic plaque removed.
Removing it
Worried about plaque yet? Don’t be!
Even the most stubborn plaque is no match for our team at Brisbane Laser Dentist! By using a scale and polish and other abrasive techniques, we can permanently remove plaque and tartar, leaving you with smoother teeth and better general oral health.
Prevention!
Prevention of plaque begins at home and our team recommends that our patients invest in mouthwash and electronic or interdental brushes to keep plaque at bay.
Always attend checkups with our team every 6 months, and, if you suspect that you have an issue with accumulative plaque, book yourself in to see our hygienist.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.