110 – About Dental Plaque

About Dental Plaque
Bacterial plaque, sometimes popularly referred to as dental plaque or just plaque, is a viscous, colorless, and sticky layer that forms on the teeth and is caused by bacteria after processing food remains that remain in the mouth after meals. In dentistry, Bacterial plaque is the main cause for the appearance of several problems, including gingivitis and dental caries, which, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), is one of the most common diseases in the world.
For this reason, bacterial plaque must be removed daily by carrying out careful oral hygiene, namely through toothbrushing complemented with the use of dental floss, and eventually mouthwashes with mouthwash or oral elixir.
How is bacterial plaque formed?
Even though it is difficult to see, everyone is prone to having plaque, since the mouth is a place where bacteria are permanently present. They use the nutrients contained in ingested food and develop in contact with saliva. In the formation of bacterial plaque, also called biofilm due to its biochemical constitution, several types of bacteria are involved.
If plaque is not removed after eating, it will eventually harden or mineralize, adhering to the surface of the teeth. This calcified bacterial plaque, if you can call it that, is at the origin of the formation of tartar and, in this case, it is no longer possible to remove it through the common methods of oral hygiene, therefore implying a trip to the Dentist.
Initially, bacterial plaque does not cause serious signs or symptoms, except for a feeling of roughness in the teeth, facilitating the accumulation of more bacterial plaque and consequent progression of the problem. Bacterial plaque causes bad breath (halitosis), and in some cases it can produce a strong smell and become a major nuisance. Plaque can cause the appearance of various diseases and complications in the teeth and gums, if not properly eliminated, namely tooth decay when the acids produced by bacteria attack the enamel of the teeth, especially after meals.
If not removed, the bacterial plate can also inflame the gum around the teeth, causing gingivitis, constituting the first stage of periodontal disease. This is characterized by inflammation or “swelling” of the gums, bleeding gums, redness, halitosis, and tooth sensitivity, among other signs and symptoms.
Gingivitis, if not treated, will tend to evolve into periodontitis, which may in turn, and ultimately, lead to tooth loss, among other more or less serious complications. This is why it is extremely important that it be
In addition to these, the accumulation of bacterial plaque may be the cause of other diseases of the teeth and gums.
For all the reasons described above, adequate bacterial plaque control is essential as a means of preventing various pathologies. Prevention of plaque buildup essentially involves correct oral hygiene.
How to avoid the formation of bacterial plaque?
To prevent the formation of bacterial plaque it is necessary to take the following measures:
* Brush your teeth with the proper technique and fluoride toothpaste, at least twice a day and for 2 minutes, essentially after meals, to remove bacterial plaque from all surfaces of the teeth;
* Use dental floss daily to remove the bacterial plate that settles between the teeth and under the gum, where the brush cannot reach;
* Change toothbrush every 3 months;
* Reduce the intake of foods with a lot of sugar or starch, especially between meals;
* Visit the dentist regularly to carry out a scale (cleaning) and a complete tooth examination.