How plaque leads to gum disease and tooth decay

The build-up of plaque can lead to a number of dental problems.  

Plaque is a sticky substance that can build up on the surface of the teeth, as well as the gumline. Also known as biofilm, plaque consists of bacteria that feeds off sugars and produce harmful acids that can weaken the enamel of the teeth. When plaque is left to accumulate, it can cause a number of dental issues to develop. Read on to find out how plaque leads to oral health issues and how you can remove it from your teeth and gums…

What does plaque do?  

Bacteria thrive in dark and moist environments where there is plenty of sugar to feed on, which is why they can easily accumulate in the mouth. If plaque is left to build up on the teeth, it uses the food and drinks that we consume to produce harmful acids. These acids can stick to the surface of the teeth, and over time, can weaken the enamel, leading to tooth decay and enamel. Every time you eat something, your teeth become susceptible to the build-up of plaque, which is why it is so important that you remove it on a regular basis. It is also advisable that you limit your consumption of refined sugars as these produce harmful acids and can cause damage to the teeth.

What is tartar?

When plaque is left to accumulate for an extended period of time, it hardens into tartar. While plaque is a leading cause of gum disease, tartar provides plaque with an ideal environment to thrive. The more plaque sticks to the teeth, the more tartar tends to develop, creating a harmful cycle in the mouth.

The accumulation of plaque and tartar can lead to inflammation of the gums. This is often the first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, and is characterised by red, swollen and bleeding gums. Over time, plaque and tartar can settle at the gumline and underneath the gums, which can affect the bones and ligaments around the teeth. When this happens, it can lead to a more advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to severe issues, including tooth loss.

How can you get rid of plaque?

One of the best ways to get rid of plaque and to prevent it from building up on the teeth and gums is to brush your teeth regularly. It is best to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day — be sure to clean the gumline as well as the teeth as plaque often accumulates in this area.

It is also a good idea to floss your teeth once a day. Your toothbrush simply cannot reach all of the areas on your mouth, and flossing is an effective way to remove food particles and bacteria that may have become trapped between your teeth.

It is not possible to remove tartar by brushing and flossing, which is why it is important that you see your dentist for regular cleans. At these appointments, your dentist will remove both plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline and address any potential issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease.

How can we help?

At My Dental Care @ West End, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including general dentistry and preventative care. We encourage our patients to come in and see us every six months so that we can help to prevent a host of oral health issues. Besides check-ups and cleans, the general services that we offer include tooth-coloured fillings, children’s dentistry, treatments for bad breath and oral cancer screenings.

If you would like to find out more about the general and preventative treatments that we offer at our practice, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on (07) 3846 2548.