What is Plaque and How Can It Hurt Me?

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Plaque is a sticky film that clings to the teeth, attacks the smile, and alters your oral health if you let it. It is a dangerous substance that can promote tooth decay and gum disease. It’s important to remove it regularly otherwise your smile might reap the consequences.

Plaque is made up of harmful bacteria that gather in the mouth. If it’s not removed regularly, it can turn into tartar, which is a toxic substance that is very stubborn and difficult to remove. If tartar invades your smile, your oral health can be in danger. There are a couple signs that show plaque and tartar are affecting your teeth and gums. One sign is irritated gums. The gums will swell, bleed, and turn red. Another sign is yellow or brown deposits above the gumline. It’s very important to schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Dickson Ufomata, if you have seen these signs.

Like mentioned before, you need to remove plaque regularly. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to do so. Those are:

-Keep up on oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing and rinsing daily

-Visit your dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months

-Avoid sugary or high-carbohydrate foods

-Have a balanced diet

It’s important to do all of these things so you can keep your smile and oral health in tip-top shape. For more information and details about plaque in Lexington, Kentucky, please contact Leestown Dental Center at 859-232-8883 at your earliest convenience. When you reach out to our dental team, we will be happy to help you!