Plaque: The Invisible Enemy
You’ve just finished eating and are lying back in contentment reminiscing about the wonderful meal you’ve just enjoyed. While you revisit the flavors that sent your taste buds into a tizzy, there is a whole lot of activity going on inside your mouth that you might not be aware of.
Within just 20 minutes of eating, food start combining with sugar, saliva, acid, and bacteria to form plaque. Yes, it happens that fast and yes, it’s every bit as dangerous as you’ve heard it to be – not for what it is, but the havoc it has the potential of unleashing on your teeth and gums.
But, let’s not put the cart before the horse. Let’s first understand what plaque is.
Plaque is a soft film that, as we mentioned before, combines acid and bacteria. It starts forming moments after you finish eating and, eventually, can grow into a sticky yellow coating that will end up covering every surface, crack, crevice, and nook and cranny of your teeth. Home to millions of bacteria, plaque can lead to serious complications if ignored.
Have you noticed how coffee stains become difficult to remove when you leave them unattended for a while? Or how gunk and moisture combine to leave those stubborn, ungainly stains on your furniture and upholstery? Same is the case with plaque. Unless cleaned regularly, it can spread out and harden, forming tartar. And when that happens, you are in for real trouble.
By themselves, the bacteria and acids found in plaque can cause the tooth enamel (the covering that protects the teeth) to wear down. This can lead to cavities and gum problems. Once plaque hardens and turns into tartar, it causes irritation of the gums, swelling, and bleeding. Over time, the gums recede and you are faced with a further complication known as gingivitis.
More than 50 per cent of the population in the US suffers from gingivitis. In its early stages, this medical condition can be treated. However, in extreme cases, if you ignore it, gingivitis can progress to the severest form of gum disease known as periodontitis.
So, how do you fight against plaque? There are various things you can do to protect your teeth, but the best advice still remains the age old one – follow proper oral hygiene. Plaque is ever present in the mouth. Therefore, it’s important to brush twice a day. In addition, use inter-dental cleaner like floss to dislodge food stuck between the teeth. Also, use oral rinse to clean your mouth, preferably after each meal (if possible).
It bears to keep in mind that all this dental care routine will need to be combined with a healthy diet, if you are serious about keeping your pearlies in pristine condition. Reduce your intake of foods that are rich in carbohydrates or sugar and on days you do allow yourself a treat, brush and rinse your mouth immediately after the meal.
Finally, I’d like to point out that even with the best oral hygiene routine, it is important to visit your dentist for a thorough cleaning session. These sessions – in which plaque and tartar are cleaned using ultrasonic tools – should be conducted at least once a year. They are the surest way to fight plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
