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Plaque: What it is and how to get rid of it
Plaque: What it is and how to get rid of it
People used to think that as you got older you naturally lost your teeth. We now know that's not true. By following easy steps for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, plus seeing your dentist regularly, you can have your teeth for a lifetime!
Plaque: What is it?
Plaque: What is it?
Plaque is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs (bacteria) that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth.
Some types of plaque can cause tooth decay (cavities)
Other types of plaque cause gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease
Red, puffy or bleeding gums can be the first signs of gum disease. If gum disease is not treated, the tissues (gums and bone) holding the teeth in place are destroyed and the teeth are eventually lost.
Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it's stained. You can stain plaque by using a cotton swab to smear food coloring on your teeth. The food coloring will stay on your teeth only where there is plaque. Plaque can only be removed by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing between all teeth.
There are mouth rinses available for kids that can be used before or after they brush their teeth that stains the plaque to help them brush their teeth effectively. For more information visit: LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® Kids Mouthwash Collection
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Yellow Teeth
Yellow Teeth
Here is a photo of a 9-yr old that complained to the dental hygienist about his yellow teeth.
What do you see when you look at this picture?
The teeth look fuzzy, yellow, bumpy, and it looks like there is some food stuck between the bottom teeth.
Do you think this 9-yr old is brushing his teeth twice a day?
Do you think he is flossing his teeth?
Food Coloring on Teeth
Food Coloring on Teeth
He said he does brush every day, so the dental hygienist put some bright pink food coloring on his teeth to show him the plaque.
What do you see when you look at this picture?
That's a lot of plaque!! The food coloring stains the plaque, not the teeth.
So all of that pink food coloring shows you where you missed with a toothbrush and floss.
Effects of Proper Brushing/Flossing
Effects of Proper Brushing/Flossing
The dental hygienist gave this 9-yr old a toothbrush (with no toothpaste) and this is what his teeth looked like after brushing for 2 minutes and using dental floss.
What do you see in this picture?
I see clean, white, shiny teeth that do not have plaque on them anymore.
But I also see red, puffy gums that are bleeding a little. This young man has gingivitis because of poor brushing and flossing habits, but if he starts taking care of his teeth properly, the gingivitis will go away in 7-10 days.
Proper Use of Toothpaste
Proper Use of Toothpaste
Did you notice I said the dental hygienist had the 9-yr old brush his teeth for 2 minutes without toothpaste?
That's because toothpaste does not clean your teeth. It's the toothbrush!!
Does this mean I don't have to use toothpaste?
No!! Toothpaste has a vitamin for your teeth called Fluoride that is extremely important for protecting your teeth from the germs (bacteria) that cause cavities.
In the photo on the right, the three toothbrushes that have a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste, is the correct amount of toothpaste to use.
The brush that is completely covered with a large amount of toothpaste, has enough for you to brush your teeth 5 times and is a waste of toothpaste.
Images source: The Grosser, More Disgusting , ButTotally Cool Mouth Book by Thomas Croll, DDS.
Plaque + Acid = Cavity
Plaque + Acid = Cavity
Did you know you can get more than one cavity on one tooth? Look at the picture to the right. There are 3 cavities on this molar, one on the top (chewing surface), one on the side (in between where floss goes), and one down on the neck of the tooth where the root starts.
Image source: Google Images
Gingivitis
Gingivitis
Have you ever noticed your gums bleeding? Then most likely you have gingivitis. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue. If you don't brushing and floss then plaque will lay at the gum line and cause the gums to get irritated. When the gums get irritated that is when they get red and swollen. This is reversible but if not taken care of it can lead to periodontal disease. ¿QUÉ ES LA GINGIVITIS?
Orthodontics (Braces)
Orthodontics (Braces)
The orthodontist is the person who specializing in moving teeth so that teeth can function properly. A consultation is usually recommended around the age of seven (7) so they can monitor the child's growth and development. And if needed they can intervene when treatment is needed.
White Spot Lesions
White Spot Lesions
If you have braces and don't take care of your teeth by BRUSHING & FLOSSING while you have braces on, your teeth will end up looking like this picture. All those white areas are called white spot lesions. They are basically a weak bruise and can turn into a cavity and if that area chips off because it is weak then you need to have a restoration (cavity) done! In the picture, there are a lot of areas that are weak and some have chipped off. You can see where it says the word cavity. So those areas need to be fixed by the dentist.
Page Updated: January 2, 2024
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