Do you get a substance built up along your gumline and teeth? Does it usually come off after brushing, flossing or if you gently scrape it? That substance could be a colorless, sticky film of bacteria and sugars known as plaque, which continually forms on your teeth.
Your mouth naturally has a lot of bacteria that can collect on your tongue, teeth and gumline. Plaque often begins at the gumline and is completely normal and even expected by our dentists. When the bacteria mixes with sugar, it can produce acids that, if not removed, can eat through the enamel on your teeth and a cavity might form.
Additionally, if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth it could harden and become tartar, which is a calcified form of plaque. Once it has calcified, it can become much more difficult to remove, and you may need Drs. Christian and Cary Christian Berdy’s help.
How you can prevent plaque buildup
One of the easiest ways to prevent plaque buildup is by practicing proper dental hygiene. Our dentists recommend that you brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. Limiting your sugary and starchy foods can also help as it can reduce the bacteria’s food supply. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum may be beneficial as it can increase your saliva production, which can clean your mouth naturally.
One of the best ways to care for your dental health and reducing plaque from your smile in Jacksonville, Florida, is to schedule an appointment at Berdy Dental Group by calling (904) 647-2789. We look forward to caring for your smile.
