Why does dental plaque arise and what is dangerous?
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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We were taught to deal with plaque from childhood. Regular cleaning of teeth with a brush and thread is the basis of oral health.
Dental plaque is a biofilm - a mixture formed from various bacteria and produced by them substances. Also, bacteria secrete acids, which lead to the destruction of tooth enamel, and subsequently to caries. If the dental plaque is not removed in time, it will harden and turn into tartar, which will be removed only by the dentist.
Teeth and gingivitis
Methods to combat plaque are known to everyone, but not everyone can overcome bad habits, and therefore pay with health. Dental calculus that has settled on the cervical part of the tooth can cause gingivitis and other gum diseases.
How does dental plaque and tartar occur?
Appears dental plaque with insufficient cleaning of teeth. On the rough surface of the tooth's neck a soft plaque accumulates, which subsequently turns into tartar. Lime salts are precipitated on the plaque and the natural microflora of the oral cavity becomes pathological. First the plaque is soft, but then hardens and it can not be removed with a toothbrush.
Sweets
As you know, the favorite food of bacteria is carbohydrates, in particular sugar. Therefore, eating sweet candies and chocolate and sipping all this with sweet soda only promotes the multiplication of bacteria that form a thin film on the surface of the tooth.
Smoking
Carcinogens, contained in the toxic tar of tobacco smoke, accumulate on the surface of the tooth, forming a darkening. According to research by scientists, on average smokers lose 20% more teeth throughout life than those who do not smoke.
Violation of metabolic processes in the body
The increased content of phosphorus and calcium salts in saliva can also cause the formation of plaque.
Irregular oral care
Scurf can be compared with bees: when one flies, there are no problems and you can not pay attention, but when their whole swarm, then this is already a problem. Teeth should be cleaned in the morning and evening, paste with fluoride content.
Visit to the dentist
Even if you carefully care for your teeth with a toothbrush, good toothpaste and dental floss, some of the plaque is still present on the teeth. Over time, albeit not so fast, it is transformed into tartar and must be removed in the stomotkabinet. Nevertheless, many people do not rush to visit the dentist, believing that if the tooth does not hurt, then this is necessary. Such carelessness is fraught with the formation of carious cavities, which leads to loss of teeth. You need to visit the dentist at least once a year, and ideally - two.