Plaque Building in Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention 

Have you ever noticed the yellowish substance deposited in your teeth? That sticky and pale substance is called plaque. Plaque building in teeth is common in many people, you may not know that you have plaque inside your mouth. A little amount of plaque is in everybody’s mouth as we eat sugary and starchy foods, but get rid of them by brushing and gargling. But if you don’t remove it, it hardens and becomes tartar. 

I know how annoying it is. This covers your teeth with a layer and however, sometimes experienced with the bad odor of mouth, bleeding gums, and the condition commonly called dental plaque. Though it can be removable by adapting some methods. 

Let’s move to your some common doubts about plaque. …

What causes plaque? 

Plaque building in teeth occurs when bacteria of your mouth mixes with starchy and sugary foods like milk, juice, bread, soft drinks, tea, coffee, etc. The bacteria in the mouth release some acids to break down the carbohydrates. 

What are the symptoms of dental plaque?

  1. Unbearable bad breath.
  2. Pain in teeth.
  3. Difficulty in chewing.
  4. Swollen or bleeding gums. 
  5. Toothache.
  6. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods. 
  7. Loose tooth. 

What to do for plaque building in teeth?

Prevention is better than cure, we all know. So, if you have such an issue in your mouth, don’t wait for it to get worse. Rather try to prevent any further problems. 

1. Oral hygiene

Brush regularly twice a day. Use a brush with soft bristles and replace it every 4 months when the bristles get a flake. It will keep your teeth healthy and plaque-free. This is the simplest thing we can do. We all brush regularly, maybe some of you brush twice a day, that’s good. But do you replace your toothbrush every 4 months, or use a flexible bristle? So, start from the basics.  

2. Floss before brushing 

Floss before you brush every day. It will remove the remained particles of food stuck between teeth. Well, I know it’s quite weird for beginners, but don’t worry with regular practice you will learn it. 

  • Take about 18 inches long floss. 
  • Hold the floss taut between thumbs and forefingers. 
  • Then, gently push the floss between your teeth.
  • Move the floss in a “c” shape on the side of one tooth.
  • Rub the floss up and down in a gentle way. Press it against your tooth continuously. 
  • Repeat this for a few minutes and be careful with your back teeth as well. do not practice it vigorously as it may cause you irritation. 

3. Oil pulling 

 Some oils such as olive oil or coconut oil around your mouth will help in strengthening your teeth, prevent tooth decay, sore gums, and remove plaque. coconut oil is quite beneficial as it contains substances having anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. 

To use oil, try to swish about one tablespoonful of oil in your mouth for about 20-30 minutes. It is an ancient practice for oral hygiene. However, it is associated with the Ayurveda system of India. 

4. Baking soda   

According to the researchers, those who brush their teeth with toothpaste containing baking soda are comparatively less vulnerable to plaque growth back in 24 hours. Baking soda is alkaline in nature and being anti-bacterial it causes no harm to teeth. It neutralizes the acidic levels in your mouth. It cleanses your teeth being a good abrasive. 

The friendly method of using baking soda is to put some baking soda in a bowl and pour enough water to make it a thick paste. And then, use it over your teeth using your fingers or either on applying on soft bristles of the brush. 

5.  Visit dental clinic 

You don’t need this, but in case you suffered from severe conditions and tartar forms around your teeth, then you must visit a dentist. I have described the conditions that are really unbearable such as pain and problems in chewing food. So, there is no doubt you should go to your dentist. 

What do dentists do? Well, the dentist will remove your tartar layer with a regular instrument by process “scale and polish”. In scaling they will pick off the tartar and in polishing will clean your teeth with a shiny outcome. 

Conclusion

Plaque building in teeth is common, we have discussed. Problems begin with unbearable and noticeable symptoms. The continuous growth of plaque may lead to tartar formation, which is harder to remove. Some experience chronic pain and gum bleeding, and problems in chewing too. We can get rid of those severe things by preventing our teeth from the favorable conditions for the growth of plaque. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every four months. Use baking soda for abrasion of plaque and shining results. Use floss to clean the area between your teeth. Swish coconut oil to strengthen your teeth. Consult a dentist when you feel like it. 

 

Anjali Ved

Anjali ved is an enthusiastic writer in the health & lifestyle-related niche. She has been writing various blogs and articles on medical niches. Apart from this, she also holds a degree in medicine and an experience of two years.

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