The presence of plaque is something that dental patients hear about regularly, but knowing what it is, helps them understand why it's so important to fight it. Dr. Robert Sandford, your Allentown, Pennsylvania dentist, offers some insight into plaque and why your awareness of its effects is vital to your dental health.
A plaque primer
Plaque is a combination of leftover food particles, saliva, carbohydrates and bacteria. Food containing carbohydrates (such as sugar) mix with bacteria in the mouth to form an acid, which then becomes sticky when saliva and leftover food debris are introduced. Together, these ingredients create a biofilm that is clear in color, but can be felt by running the tongue across the surface of the teeth. People describe plaque to their Allentown dentist as feeling gummy, slimy, or like their teeth have "fuzz" on them.
Plaque's problem
If regular dental hygiene is not part of a person's daily routine, the acidic buildup on the teeth begins to destroy the enamel - the hard, protective outer layer - between the teeth and above and below the gum line. Cavities begin to form and the gum tissue becomes inflamed and swollen. If plaque is allowed to harden into tartar, it cannot be removed by conventional brushing and must be scraped away by a dental professional like those at Sanford Center for Total Health Dentistry in Allentown. Extreme cases of plaque buildup can result in tooth loss, abscesses or other infections elsewhere in the body.
Preventing plaque
Although plaque is an ever-present issue that cannot be completely eradicated, brushing twice daily and flossing once is an excellent way to minimize its impact. Your Allentown dentist also recommends using an electric toothbrush for optimal plaque removal, and make sure to keep current on your cleaning appointments with Dr. Sanford.
If you're concerned that plaque may be causing you some dental issues, call Sanford Center for Total Health Dentistry in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A thorough examination will help determine your problem and Dr. Robert Sanford has the experience necessary to solve it.