Removing Dental Plaque: Why It’s a Good Idea
Removing Dental Plaque: Why It’s a Good Idea
D21 Dental Excellence Team
12. December 2023
Medically reviewed by the Doctors of the D21 Dental Excellence Team, more than 70 years of Dental Experience.
Content
Content
The battle between good and evil has been a theme since the dawn of human history – for example, between good and bad bacteria. Those who neglect their oral hygiene are helping the bad bacteria win against the good ones: That's when dental plaque forms. And from there, tartar, caries, and inflammatory diseases have an easy game. This can not only become painful for those affected but can also turn out to be very expensive in the long run. Here you will learn where a happy ending for your teeth should start.
The battle between good and evil has been a theme since the dawn of human history – for example, between good and bad bacteria. Those who neglect their oral hygiene are helping the bad bacteria win against the good ones: That's when dental plaque forms. And from there, tartar, caries, and inflammatory diseases have an easy game. This can not only become painful for those affected but can also turn out to be very expensive in the long run. Here you will learn where a happy ending for your teeth should start.
What is Dental Plaque?
What is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque, also called plaque, is a mixture of food residues, bacterial substances, and saliva that forms a biofilm on the teeth. If the plaque is not regularly removed, bacteria can settle in it and multiply quickly. Then, the plaque becomes thicker and turns yellowish after a short time. The calcium salts contained in it eventually lead to the formation of tartar – and this promotes caries, gingivitis, and many subsequent diseases.
Dental plaque, also called plaque, is a mixture of food residues, bacterial substances, and saliva that forms a biofilm on the teeth. If the plaque is not regularly removed, bacteria can settle in it and multiply quickly. Then, the plaque becomes thicker and turns yellowish after a short time. The calcium salts contained in it eventually lead to the formation of tartar – and this promotes caries, gingivitis, and many subsequent diseases.
How Does Plaque Form?
How Does Plaque Form?
Plaque gets a new chance after every meal because it continuously forms – just 4 to 12 hours after brushing your teeth. It prefers to accumulate at the border between teeth and gums. As long as the plaque is still soft, it can be eliminated with good oral care – at least in places that are easily accessible with a toothbrush and dental floss.
Plaque gets a new chance after every meal because it continuously forms – just 4 to 12 hours after brushing your teeth. It prefers to accumulate at the border between teeth and gums. As long as the plaque is still soft, it can be eliminated with good oral care – at least in places that are easily accessible with a toothbrush and dental floss.
How Can I Recognize Dental Plaque?
How Can I Recognize Dental Plaque?
Visually, dental plaque can be recognized by its coloration: Initially, it is mostly a white-yellowish color, which then can turn brownish and, in smokers, even black. When you run your tongue over your teeth, affected areas often feel somewhat rough. However, those who want to know for sure can use special chewing tablets or mouthwashes to hunt for plaque: Older plaques are then shown in dark blue, and newer ones in pink. Now, nothing stands in the way of its removal!
Visually, dental plaque can be recognized by its coloration: Initially, it is mostly a white-yellowish color, which then can turn brownish and, in smokers, even black. When you run your tongue over your teeth, affected areas often feel somewhat rough. However, those who want to know for sure can use special chewing tablets or mouthwashes to hunt for plaque: Older plaques are then shown in dark blue, and newer ones in pink. Now, nothing stands in the way of its removal!
How Can I Remove Dental Plaque?
How Can I Remove Dental Plaque?
The most important weapon in the fight against plaque is the toothbrush: For example, sonic toothbrushes clean both gently and thoroughly – brushing twice a day should be the minimum. Those who want to be on the safe side brush even after every meal.
The most important weapon in the fight against plaque is the toothbrush: For example, sonic toothbrushes clean both gently and thoroughly – brushing twice a day should be the minimum. Those who want to be on the safe side brush even after every meal.
Important in the routine is not to forget the interdental spaces: Because they are a particularly popular hiding place for bacteria and plaques. Here, interdental brushes or other tools can be used.
Important in the routine is not to forget the interdental spaces: Because they are a particularly popular hiding place for bacteria and plaques. Here, interdental brushes or other tools can be used.
To ensure that brushing really cleans, one should regularly renew the utensils: Dentists recommend replacing the brush heads and the interdental brushes every six to eight weeks.
To ensure that brushing really cleans, one should regularly renew the utensils: Dentists recommend replacing the brush heads and the interdental brushes every six to eight weeks.
Dental floss should fundamentally not be used more than once.
Dental floss should fundamentally not be used more than once.
Toothpaste with a high fluoride or sodium carbonate content and antibacterial mouthwashes are also a good investment in the fight against plaques.
Toothpaste with a high fluoride or sodium carbonate content and antibacterial mouthwashes are also a good investment in the fight against plaques.
Moreover, our dentists recommend at least three professional teeth cleanings per year: There, professional staff remove both plaques and, if necessary, already-formed tartar. Individual tips for care are also provided free of charge.
Moreover, our dentists recommend at least three professional teeth cleanings per year: There, professional staff remove both plaques and, if necessary, already-formed tartar. Individual tips for care are also provided free of charge.
Key Points at a Glance:
Key Points at a Glance:
Dental plaques are the beginning of many serious problems like tartar, caries, or inflammations.
Dental plaques are the beginning of many serious problems like tartar, caries, or inflammations.
Conscientious oral hygiene is essential in the fight against plaque: Daily brushing multiple times, cleaning the interdental spaces, and regular professional teeth cleanings should be part of the routine.
Conscientious oral hygiene is essential in the fight against plaque: Daily brushing multiple times, cleaning the interdental spaces, and regular professional teeth cleanings should be part of the routine.
Is It Time for Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Is It Time for Professional Teeth Cleaning?
At Dental21 practices, you benefit from treatment with state-of-the-art technology. You can find us at over 50 locations throughout Germany.
At Dental21 practices, you benefit from treatment with state-of-the-art technology. You can find us at over 50 locations throughout Germany.
