Understanding Plaque and Maintaining Your Smile with Valley View Dental

When selecting a toothbrush, toothpaste, or during your visits to Valley View Dental, you often encounter the term “plaque.” Plaque is a major reason why maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential. Brushing twice daily for at least two minutes, along with regular flossing, is crucial for managing plaque.

Here’s what you should know about plaque and its impact on your smile:

What is Plaque?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth recently, you might notice a sticky, film-like layer on your teeth. This layer is plaque, a collection of bacteria that adheres to your teeth. While you can’t completely prevent plaque from forming, brushing and flossing daily, combined with regular visits to Valley View Dental, are your best defenses against plaque buildup.

Impact of Plaque on Your Teeth and Mouth

When plaque isn’t regularly removed, it accumulates and hardens into tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque contributes to tooth decay by producing acids that erode your teeth. At Valley View Dental, Dr. Jennifer Miller ensures that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned during your dental examinations to remove any buildup. Untreated tartar can cause staining and lead to gingivitis, where your gums become swollen, red, or bleed.

What You Can Do

The key to controlling plaque is adhering to a daily oral hygiene routine. This involves brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing daily. Plaque is a natural occurrence, but regular cleanings at Valley View Dental help manage and minimize tartar buildup. It’s crucial to brush along the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate. Brush gently to avoid damaging your gums.

Maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine will help keep plaque at bay. Make sure to brush in the morning and before bed to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up overnight. Schedule your next appointment with Valley View Dental to ensure your teeth are clean and your smile is in top condition.

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule your visit, please contact Valley View Dental today.