Good oral hygiene is one of the paths to a healthy and carefree life. Keeping everything up to scratch in the mouth area has other outcomes than just a bedazzling set of pearly whites that could rival the snowy caps in the Rocky Mountains.
Firstly, what goes up must come down, and the same goes for your mouth and body. As Isaac Newton proved, gravity is a given. So, what happens upstairs will undoubtedly impact downstairs.
It is a fact that keeping everything in order with your teeth and gums reduces the chances of a heart attack and strokes. If that is not enough incentive try suffering from a toothache or swollen gums; surely many of you can recount a story on that one.
The pleasure of eating becomes a difficulty. But something, that if not treated, can cause complications because it comes from this pleasant quotidian pastime – plaque.
What is Tooth Plaque?
It is an adhesive biofilm that grows on the teeth because of the bacteria naturally living in the mouth. Just a hint here, the sugar derived from sweet things, junk food and the more healthy fruit and veg that are full of carbs creating the perfect breeding ground to produce acid that feeds on your tooth enamel and gums.
There are quite a few causes such as the apparent lack of tooth care. But there are also some others that may be less apparent. We have already dealt with the sugary stuff but things like tooth grinding, acidic foods, heartburn, and dry mouth issues can also be an issue.
Consider on reading: What Causes Cavity?
You can do a lot about all of that, but unfortunately, we all inherit the tooth structure of our ancestors through genetics.
Not me? Wrong it happens to everyone. If for some reason you need to be dealing with a plaque, the most important part is what you want or will do about it. This will determine how healthy your overall gums and teeth are.
Keep in mind that when you leave the plaque on the teeth it will turn into a tartar which in the end may risk of you having a gum disease or a cavity.
How to Keep Your Teeth White?
A much more detailed explanation can be found in the prevention section here. You can keep them white by brushing daily but if that doesn’t solve your problem may be a top teeth whitener recommended by dentists may help. Most of these products and kits will prevent the cavities from developing further. But always make sure to read reviews and talk to your dentist before making a final decision.
Severe Dental Decay
It is also known as the cavity, and it can spread like wildfire in slow motion if left untreated with the help of a dentist and excellent oral hygiene. If left alone, it can cause infection, severe pain and in the worst cases the loss of a tooth.
As the advance of a glacier, it is a creeping and sneaking process that can take quite some time. At first, you will not notice it as it eats away at the enamel that is on your teeth.
Gradually, it will advance to much deeper layers, eventually reaching the fleshy core within. This is where the pain will certainly begin as the blood vessels that are extremely sensitive, and nerve-endings are attacked.
Plaque on the Teeth Prevention
It is not possible to stop the plaque from building up. There are a few things that you can do, like being more proactive about getting rid of it to avoid any undesirable side effects and minimalize the subsequent development of tartar.
Brush, brush, brush and floss, floss, floss!
Brushing your teeth after eating using medium-bristled toothpaste with an effective fluoride formula strengthens tooth enamel to prevent any of the cavities forming.
Tip on picking the right electric brush.
Also diligently floss to reach the 30 percent of the tooth’s surface that is not reachable with a brush. Last but not least, try on the dental care front; try something like oil pulling with coconut oil to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Tip on choosing a right type of flosser here.
Don’t Go Crazy With the Sugary Stuff!
Limiting the number of sugary drinks and foods that you consume will additionally help you take the bull by the horns by making sure that your mouth’s natural bacteria stays input from spreading.
Find out more by going to: How Sugar Affects Your Teeth
A Rinse a Day Can Go All the Way!
Rinse after eating as it increases the mouth saliva. Also, drink plenty of water as a dry mouth promotes bacterial growth. A little hint, the American Dental Association recommends you chew on a sugar-free gum for a cool twenty minutes after meals to keep everything juicy.
Remember Him or Her? Go Visit Your Dentist!
If you are still concerned about plaque coming up, the best thing to do is visit the dentist. Although, regular checkups should have prevented anything untoward from happening. Another thing is to make full use of allowing for the dental hygienist to professionally clean your teeth on a bi-yearly basis. This treatment should remove all of the plaque.
As you have discovered plaque and the possible cavities resulting there off is nasty business. So, do yourself a favor and do your utmost to prevent it.
Up next: What is Root Canal Therapy?
