Nowadays, healthy teeth are an important part of personal well-being.
Diseases that can affect the health of our teeth are caries (tooth decay) and periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium). Both diseases are significantly caused by plaque, the so-called dental plaque.
Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that adheres firmly to the teeth and dentures and cannot be removed by water or mouthwash. If teeth are not cleaned regularly, plaque develops.
Plaque is also called bacterial plaque because it contains numerous bacteria and microorganisms that feed on it. However, these bacteria are harmful to teeth and tooth bed and lead to caries and periodontitis.The caries-promoting bacteria produce acids that extract minerals from the tooth, and a “cavity” (caries) develops.Other bacteria living in the plaque are responsible for periodontitis. They multiply and produce toxins (poisonous substances) that lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).The gums loosen and can no longer properly support the tooth. A gingival pocket develops. This allows the bacteria to penetrate deeper and deeper, and their toxins slowly destroy the jawbone as well. The teeth become loose and eventually fall out.
Pathogenesis (disease development) – etiology (causes)
Plaque develops already a few minutes after a meal, unless the food residues are removed.
Some factors additionally influence the development of bacterial plaque:
- Too little saliva
- Tartar on which plaque can adhere better
- Dental gypsum, with areas that are difficult to clean.
- Caries – serves as a “pantry” full of bacteria.
- Fixed braces, which make cleaning difficult
- Malnutrition
To prevent tooth decay and periodontitis, it is enough to remove the harmful plaque regularly.This means that in the morning and in the evening after eating, the teeth should be brushed for two minutes. To effectively remove plaque between the teeth as well, regular flossing is recommended.Mouthwashes reach even hard-to-reach areas and, depending on the ingredients, ensure a reduction in the number of germs in the mouth.
If plaque is not removed regularly, inorganic substances are deposited and the plaque hardens – tartar.The backs of the lower incisors in particular often have tartar. This can only be removed by the dentist, which is sometimes done as part of a professional dental cleaning.
Professional teeth cleaning should be performed twice a year in a dentist’s office. In this way, not only soft plaque, but also tartar and stubborn discoloration from coffee or tobacco are gently removed.
