Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.
Your gums and teeth are directly connected to the blood stream, therefore, they are your first line of defense against disease and should be treated with the care they deserve. Poor dental health has be linked to heart disease, stroke, gum disease and even premature births, according to recent research.
Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it's stained. You can stain plaque by chewing red "disclosing tablets," found at grocery stores and drug stores, or by using a cotton swab to smear green food coloring on your teeth. The red or green color left on the teeth will show you where there is still plaque—and where you have to brush again to remove it.
Stain and examine your teeth regularly to make sure you are removing all plaque.
How Do I Know if I Have Plaque?
Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths. These bacteria use ingredients found in our diet and saliva to grow. Plaque causes cavities when the acids from plaque attack teeth after eating. With repeated acid attacks, the tooth enamel can break down and a cavity may form. Plaque that is not removed can also irritate the gums around your teeth, leading to gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums), periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if your plaque removal techniques are okay.
Step One: Floss
Use floss to remove germs and food particles between teeth. Rinse.
Step Two: Brush Teeth
Use any tooth brushing method that is comfortable, but do not scrub hard back and forth. Small circular motions and short back and forth motions work well. Rinse.
To prevent decay, it's what's on the toothbrush that counts. Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is what protects teeth from decay.
Brush the tongue for a fresh feeling! Rinse again.
Remember: food residues, especially sweets, provide nutrients for the germs that cause tooth decay, as well as those that cause gum disease. That's why it is important to remove all food residues, as well as plaque, from teeth. Remove plaque at least once a day — twice a day is better. If you brush and floss once daily, do it before going to bed.
How Can I Prevent Plaque Buildup?
It's easy to prevent plaque buildup with proper care. Make sure to:
- Brush thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline, where your toothbrush may not reach
- Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks
- Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations.
The finding could eventually lead to the development of toothpaste that harnesses the body's own plaque-fighting tools.
The team of scientist from Japan show that the bacterium, Streptococcus salivarius, a non-biofilm forming and otherwise harmless inhabitant of the human mouth, actually inhibits the formation of dental biofilms – or plaque.
The bacteria produces two enzymes that are responsible for this inhibition.
The research is published in the March 2011 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental.
Author, Hidenobu Senpuku, of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, says of one of the enzymes: ‘FruA may be useful for prevention of dental caries. The activity of the inhibitors was elevated in the presence of sucrose, and the inhibitory effects were dependent on the sucrose concentration in the biofilm formation assay medium.
‘We show that FruA, produced by S. salivarius inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation completely in the in vitro assay supplemented with sucrose.'
S. salivarius is the primary species of bacteria inhabiting the mouth, according to the report.
The authors suggest that FruA may actually regulate microbial pathogenicity in the oral cavity.
They found that a commercial FruA, produced by Aspergillus niger, was as effective as S. salivarius FruA at inhibiting S. mutans biofilm formation, despite the fact that its amino acid composition is somewhat different from that of S. salivarius.
FruA is produced not only by S. salivarius, but by other oral streptococci.
...well aside from practicing good oral care (brushing and floosing), it would be better that you avoid bad habits like smoking. You can also cut-down the intake of coffee and sodas. These are the causes of yellowing teeth.
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Great article, Plaque is one of the common disease found in humans early detection and treatment for plaque is important to have a healthy teeth for future
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ReplyDeleteTo avoid major issues one should visit dentist at least once in a year and have a clean up done during the visit.
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The Importance of Saliva in Preventing Dental Plaque and Bad Breath. A sufficient amount of saliva is necessary to:
ReplyDeleteEliminate destructive bacteria that enter the body through the mouth before it can reach the bloodstream
Aid in the digestion process by initializing food breakdown using enzymes before it enters the stomach
Help in neutralizing oral acids
Maintain adequate moisture in membranes involved with smell and taste
Inhibit tooth decay by continuously cleaning the mouth, removing cariogenic carbohydrates and negate the abrasive effects of lactic acid
Impart beneficial chemicals to the mouth such as lactoferrin (protein) and mucin. A glycoprotein responsible for saliva's hydrating qualities, mucin allows saliva to keep membranes optimally moistened
Enhance the immune system by providing an antibody called IgA. Also make regular visits to dentists to improve your oral health state.
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