Plaque and how to combat it

What is dental plaque?

Dental plaque, also known as bacterial plaque, is a soft, sticky layer that forms on your tooth surfaces, gum lines and interdental spaces. It consists mainly of bacteria and metabolic products. These bacteria are not just harmless inhabitants of your mouth; they are the main cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Formation of plaque

The formation of plaque begins immediately after cleaning the teeth. New bacteria begin to colonise the tooth surface and new layers of plaque form within a short period of time. These processes are natural and continuous, as your mouth provides an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms. Food residues, especially sugar and carbohydrates, encourage the growth of harmful bacteria by providing them with food.

Effects and symptoms of plaque and tartar

The effects of plaque and tartar on oral health are varied and can lead to long-term damage if left untreated. One of the first signs of problems is bleeding gums, which often occurs during brushing or flossing. This symptom is typical of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gum line caused by the build-up of soft plaque and bacteria along the gums.

Problems caused by plaque

If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, a much rougher surface that encourages further plaque build-up. Tartar build-up is a major cause of gingivitis and can lead to gum pockets and ultimately periodontitis. Plaque is also the main cause of tooth decay, as the acids produced by the bacteria attack the tooth enamel.

Bleeding gums

Gums that bleed regularly can be a sign that hard plaque, also known as calculus, has formed under the gum line. These can disrupt the normal oral flora and often lead to unpleasant bad breath that persists despite daily oral hygiene. Bad breath is not only a social problem, but also an indicator that harmful bacteria are colonising and thriving in the oral cavity.

In advanced stages, bacterial plaque can lead to more severe forms of gum inflammation known as periodontitis. This can make tooth replacement more complicated, as inflammation and bone loss affect the stability of the teeth. Professional scaling, performed with instruments such as the scaler, is therefore a critical part of dental care to minimise these risks.

Tartar

The formation of tartar, a hardening of soft plaque, can also lead to further accumulation of food debris in the interdental spaces, providing additional nutrients for bacteria. Fluoride, often found in toothpaste and mouthwashes, can help to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the formation of cavities, but it is not a panacea for plaque and tartar.

How do you combat dental plaque?

Soft plaque that accumulates on the teeth is often invisible to the naked eye, but can be removed by regular and thorough daily oral hygiene. Special diagnostic tools are used in dentistry, such as colouring tablets, which make the invisible plaque visible and thus improve cleaning efficiency. By maintaining a consistent dental care routine, you not only support the removal of soft plaque, but also promote healthy, normal oral flora. This is crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy in the long term.

Brush your teeth thoroughly

The most effective way to combat plaque is to brush your teeth thoroughly. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the teeth, including the hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and the necks of the teeth.

Using dental floss and interdental brushes

Dental floss and interdental brushes are essential for cleaning the areas between your teeth that are difficult to reach with a normal toothbrush. Regular use of these aids effectively removes plaque and reduces the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.

Mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can be used as a supplement to brushing and flossing. It helps to reduce the bacteria that form plaque and can help to improve general oral hygiene.

Professional teeth cleaning

You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year at our ALPINE WHITE Studio. This not only removes plaque and tartar, but also discolouration and stubborn deposits that cannot be removed using normal home methods.

Change of diet

Reducing sugary and starchy foods can reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. A balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables not only supports your dental health, but also your general well-being.

Colouring of the gums

Staining the gums with erythrosine, a colouring agent used in diagnostic tests, can reveal where plaque has accumulated, which is particularly useful for people with braces or fillings as plaque can easily build up here.

Visits to the ALPINE WHITE Studio

At ALPINE WHITE, we not only offer you the opportunity to monitor your dental health through regular check-ups and modern diagnostic tools, but also specialised treatments for caries prevention and treatment. Our Caries Repair and Caries Risk Analysis services are designed to detect caries at an early stage and treat it effectively. With caries risk analysis, we use advanced techniques to identify areas in your mouth that show an increased risk of caries development. This analysis helps us to develop a customised treatment plan for you that includes preventative measures and targeted treatments to ensure the long-term health of your teeth. Regular visits to our Studio allow us to recognise even the smallest deposits and incipient problems so that we can react immediately and maintain your dental health in the best possible way.

Closing words

Dental plaque is a common problem, but with the right strategies and regular care, you can combat it effectively. Remember that preventing dental problems not only promotes your dental health, but also your general well-being. In short, regular and thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums is essential to maintain oral health and prevent the multiple effects of plaque and tartar.