The teeth are coated in a very thin film. The film is known as plaque, and it is almost always present. It sticks to the teeth with ease. Fortunately, it can be removed quite easily. Daily brushing and flossing are the two main ways to get rid of plaque, only for it to be replaced the next day followed by another brush. It is a constant battle, and the maintenance of plaque will avoid major medical concerns.
What is a plaque made of? Plaque is mostly formed by bacteria. In some sense, it is actually the waste and grime produced through the process of bacteria attacking the teeth. But, the plaque is not 100% bacteria. The actual film can react with food, specifically sugar, to create a perfect environment to attack the teeth’s number one defense force- enamel.
Enamel is at the front lines, and it is the first thing that gets attacked when plaque goes unmanaged with General Dentistry in Manahawkin NJ. A cavity is the direct result of poor plaque maintenance and the wearing down of enamel. The plaque can actually build to tarter. Tarter is essentially the same exact thing. It is an advanced form of plaque. A good way to look at it is a plaque that has calcified and “burned” to the teeth, creating an almost permanent mark or stain on the tooth. Tarter is still an issue. It will collect around the gums and cause them to swell and bleed. You can visit here to get more information.
It is extremely vital to maintain the thin film coating the teeth because it leads to nefarious (and expensive) mouth diseases. Plaque leads directly to gum disease and tooth decay. Ironically, many patients avoid the dentist for cleaning but they end up having to do twice as much work to receive Little Egg Dental treatment for gum disease and gingivitis.
Plaque is only the beginning. Plaque is the leading cause of gum disease because the buildup along the gum and teeth line will irritate the gums. They will swell, bleed, and becoming diseased after years of non-treatment. Visit a General Dentistry in Manahawkin NJ office to remove plaque and treat the mouth well.