Dental plaque is a biofilm that forms on teeth. On teeth, a bacterial film that is sticky and persistently forms. Plaque can become tartar, which is more challenging to remove, when it hardens. 

Plaque and tartar can also lead to other problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

Plaque on the teeth is a common issue. Plaque can be detached from your teeth by brushing, flossing, and seeing the best dentist in Manassas, VA has to offer.

In the absence of removal, plaque turns into tartar. Cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss are all caused by plaque. Plaque is removed and teeth are protected by routine dental exams.

Plaque can also accumulate on the gums and tooth roots, weakening the bones that support teeth. Tartar can develop from untreated plaque and is challenging to remove. 

Plains can be removed by maintaining good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing.

Everyone has some degree of dental plaque. Plaque should feel fuzzy when it touches your teeth when you run your tongue over them.

Despite the fact that everyone gets a plaque, you might get more if you:

• eat or drink a lot of sweet or starchy things.
• a dry mouth brought on by drugs like antidepressants or conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.
• have previously undergone head or neck radiation.
• smoke

When they come into contact with oral bacteria, foods high in sugar or starch, such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta, and fruit, can cause plaque. These microorganisms produce acids that dissolve the carbohydrates in food and drinks.

If you don’t brush your teeth right away after eating or drinking, plaque, a sticky, colorless film, may form on your teeth. Bacteria, acids, and carbohydrates make up its composition.

When your teeth feel fuzzy, that is the most obvious sign that you have plaque. Other indications include:

• ongoing bad breath (halitosis)
• gums that are tender, swollen, and bleed when brushed (gum disease)

Plaque can develop into tartar if you don’t brush and floss daily. Dentists are the only ones who can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar can cause:

• cavities
• gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.
• chronic gum disease (periodontitis).
• decay and tooth loss
• a tooth’s decay (abscessed tooth)

Your dentist or dental hygienist will use instruments during routine dental exams to find and get rid of plaque. Plaque can cause cavities. To check for cavities, dentists may also take X-rays of the mouth. You can also undergo a dental cleaning in Manassas. 

Maintaining good oral hygiene, including routine brushing and flossing, plaque is removed, and tartar buildup is avoided. During an examination, your dentist will clean the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your provider might also suggest:

• dental sealants stop plaque from forming on the top chewing surfaces of teeth
• medications to treat dry mouth that also increases saliva
• fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay and slow the development of plaque-causing bacteria
• either prescription toothpaste or mouthwash (chlorhexidine)

Everyone carries oral bacteria that cause plaque. With proper oral hygiene, plaque can be removed, and serious dental problems can be avoided.

Because plaque can cause gum disease, tartar, and cavities, regular dental exams are imperative. If plaque and tooth decay are not identified and treated, you could develop a painful gum infection or lose teeth.

On teeth, dental plaque, a bacterial film, is constantly forming. It is the primary contributor to gum disease and tooth decay. Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque, but if it isn’t, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by dental care in Manassas.

Royal Dental is a state-of-the-art dental office in Manassas, Virginia, specializing in the cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment of dental and oral conditions. In every area, we offer comprehensive dental services. All services are provided with the best dental technology and in a luxurious, calming environment. All new patients receive a no-cost oral health consultation. Book an appointment for a dental cleaning in Manassas.