Our smile is not only colloquially our strongest “weapon”. However, many things can tarnish a beautiful smile. One of these things is dental plaque or plaque, but it can cause many other unsightly factors inside the mouth. But what are they and what can be done about them?
What is dental plaque?
Roughly considered almost invisible, but plaque can certainly be felt. For example, with your own tongue when you run over your teeth. Common dental plaque, medically and professionally often called plaque, is composed of various components of saliva, food residues, bacteria and metabolic residues. Roughly invisible, plaque can, however, be felt. For example, when you run your tongue over your teeth. If the teeth feel furry, rough, uneven or dull, this means that there is plaque on them. However, the formation of plaque is quite natural and more or less harmless. Due to various factors, however, plaque can be formed very strongly and may even become tartar under certain circumstances. And this, as is well known, can no longer be simply brushed away and is anything but invisible.
Causes
Actually, plaque is something very natural. It is formed by our saliva, by food residues and also by the metabolism of our body again and again on the teeth. In small doses, it is only noticeable to a limited extent and almost completely invisible. However, certain foods, such as coffee, tea, sugar and also the consumption of nicotine, can accelerate, change and negatively favor the formation of dental plaque. The consequences can be discoloration of the teeth in the long and also in the short term, but also strong tartar formation. Moreover, if the teeth are not brushed regularly and the plaque is removed in this way, this can damage the natural tooth substance. This makes the tooth itself more susceptible to diseases such as caries and periodontal disease. In the long run, however, the gums also do not react consistently positively to plaque, as it contains quite high levels of bacteria. Consequently, another common consequence of plaque is gingivitis and gum recession.
Diseases with this symptom
- Periodontal disease
- Caries
- Gum inflammation
Complications
Dental plaque is usually a disease with very few complications and a relatively good chance of recovery. It is only in rare cases really necessary to see a dentist for this problem. The plaque itself is usually caused by insufficient hygiene in the oral cavity. The patient must brush the teeth more often, floss and use a mouthwash regularly to get rid of the plaque. This will disappear over time with good oral hygiene. If the plaque has appeared all of a sudden, or if it keeps coming back, a dentist can be consulted. Here, however, a change in eating habits can also greatly help to better teeth. The healing of this problem usually takes place without complications. If the plaque has been there for a long time, some teeth may have been attacked and may have cavities. There may also be inflammation of the gums due to poor oral hygiene. However, these symptoms are relatively rare and only occur when plaque has been present for a very long time and nothing is done about it. In the case of plaque after eating, sugar-free chewing gum can also help to remove the plaque from the teeth and protect them in the process. Here, attention should always be paid to the sugar-free variety.
When should you go to the doctor?
Dental plaque is usually harmless and can be reduced independently through adequate oral hygiene. A doctor only needs to be consulted if plaque forms unusually quickly or smells particularly unpleasant. If, despite regular dental care, plaque forms that may also differ from normal plaque in color, odor and consistency, a visit to the doctor is recommended. The same applies to plaque that appears in the oral cavity after an operation. It may be an allergic reaction that requires medical attention to avoid further complications. Anyone who already suffers from caries or tartar should go to the dentist in charge with excessive plaque.It is possible that the complaints are due to the germ composition in the oral cavity, which can be regulated with the help of some preparations. Allergy sufferers and patients with another previous illness, which could possibly be responsible for the plaque, should discuss the complaints with the doctor. Dental plaque as a result of oral mucosa inflammation must always be treated by a doctor. Especially if accompanied by the formation of painful vesicles in the oral cavity or other accompanying symptoms.
Treatment and therapy
Successful treatment always depends predominantly on the stage of the entire deposits when plaque is diagnosed. Very fresh deposits, as already indicated, are quite natural – but this does not mean that they are completely harmless and safe for the teeth. Regular cleaning of the teeth and the inside of the mouth, with a suitable toothbrush, toothpaste and, at best, supporting mouthwashes, is essential. However, since plaque damages the tooth structure, one should also visit the dentist. For example, for a professional cleaning of the teeth and for a targeted strengthening of the battered tooth substance. The whole process can also be supported wonderfully at home by using special toothpastes and gels with a very high fluid content. This is because the upper protective layers of the tooth consist largely of fluid. However, these layers wear off additionally over the years and make the tooth vulnerable. Tartar must also be professionally removed by the dentist.
Outlook and prognosis
As a rule, plaque does not cause any serious or unhealthy complications. Treatment by the doctor is likewise not mandatory in this case. The patient also has many means of self-help available to remove plaque from the teeth. As a rule, however, plaque can be reduced or completely avoided by frequent brushing of the teeth. However, it is a common symptom that can occur after eating or drinking. It mainly affects people who consume colored foods. This also includes beverages such as coffee or tea, which also cause a yellowish plaque. If the patient removes this plaque daily by brushing his teeth, there are usually no further complaints. If the patient is unhappy with the plaque, a professional teeth cleaning can be performed by the dentist. During this procedure, the plaque on the teeth is permanently removed. To avoid the plaque, a healthy diet without colored drinks or food is suitable. Since such a diet is not completely possible, care measures should also be taken on the teeth between meals to avoid further discomfort.
Prevention
Dental plaque is best prevented by conscientious and thorough dental hygiene. Here, attention should be paid primarily to the regularity and frequency of tooth brushing. Brushing and caring for the teeth three times a day is the optimum average. In this way, the tooth substance and the gums are not stressed by the brushing itself, despite thorough cleaning. In addition, it also depends on the means and “tools” used. The strength of the toothbrush should always be suitable for the tooth and gums. When brushing, on the other hand, you should always make sure that you really remove all deposits as well as possible. Here you can feel with the tongue after brushing, but also take coloring tablets from the dentist or from the pharmacy to help. By the way, the best way to clean the teeth between the teeth is with dental floss or special interdental brushes. The perfect finish, on the other hand, is provided by suitable mouthwashes that counteract the formation of plaque and strengthen the tooth structure.
What you can do yourself
Chronic plaque should be removed as part of a professional dental cleaning. Accompanying this, the teeth can be freed from residues with the help of some home remedies and measures. First of all, the use of dental floss and mouth rinses is recommended, which can effectively remove strongly stuck plaque in the entire oral cavity. The tongue should be cleaned regularly with a tongue scraper to prevent the spread of germs. Proven home remedies include olive oil, tea tree oil or myrrh tincture from the pharmacy.Baking soda and lemon juice can also help against plaque in the short term, but in the long term they damage the teeth. More effective are caring chewing gums with xylitol or apple varieties such as Boskop and Graue Renette. Cheese contains the protein casein, which strengthens tooth enamel and thus prevents caries. In addition, rinses with sage and chamomile as well as turmeric and banana peels help. On the road, plaque can also be removed with toothpicks, dental care pastilles and mobile dental care sets. It is also important to avoid excessively acidic or sweet foods, as well as red wine, coffee and cigarettes. Drinking regularly will naturally flush out plaque and keep teeth white.
