Dental plaque is the thin sticky coating of bacteria that is continually forming on our teeth. This biofilm develops after eating and drinking foods that leave sugars and starches on our teeth like sodas and cake. The microorganisms that are present in our mouth multiply in this environment producing acids. These can destroy the enamel on our teeth leading to tooth decay. A buildup of plaque could also form under the roots of the tooth, under the gums. This is considerably threatening because it can result in bone supporting the tooth breaking down.
Plaque begins to form about 4-12 hours after brushing your teeth, making it crucial to brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing also helps minimize the amount of plaque in our mouths. The bacteria in plaque when not correctly cleaned can produce cavities, as well as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, an infection that leads to tooth loss. Other effects of plaque on oral health are its ability to make teeth appear yellow and bad breath.
Serious Business
When plaque is not removed and becomes hardened, it forms into tartar. Tartar is a thick deposit that usually has a yellow or brownish color that is difficult to remove from the teeth. This deposit is a collection of minerals from saliva. Once plaque has developed to this form, it can only be removed by a dental professional. Without the removal of this, it could lead to a more aggressive case of gum disease.
It is essential to clean the teeth well to avoid plaque from damaging your enamel and gums. If you are in need of a deep cleaning or would like professional guidance on how to combat this, contact us at Dental Made Easy! We are always here to help!
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, trust in the dentists at Dental Made Easy. Dental Made Easy has the best dental practices in New York City and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. All of our dental offices are open and accepting new patients at this time. We are rated among the top dental practices in New York, NY with numerous 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend calling or booking an appointment online with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $149 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays of our Free Dental Implant Consultation Special.
To set up your appointment give us a call at (844) 979-EASY (3279). We have offices in Forest Hills, Queens, Little Caribbean, Brooklyn and Garden City, Long Island. Walk-ins welcomed, we take emergencies and we are open on late nights to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
