Removal of plaque by brushing and flossing

It is necessary to remove the plaque by brushing and flossing, failing which generation of acids and other harmful substances will continue. This eventually destroys the tooth or the gum and the bone that holds the tooth in its place. As there are minerals in the saliva, the plaque not removed from the teeth becomes calcified and hardens – 50 percent within 48 hours and rock hard after 12 days. The calcified or hardened plaque is known as tartar. It is possible to control tartar build up by using toothpastes containing sodium pyrophosphate which interferes with mineral crystallization that causes tartar build up. Tartar can be removed only through dental cleaning and, therefore, requires professional help to remove.

Plaque and tarter contain harmful bacteria that can infect your gums. When teeth continually confront plaque, you get cavities because of disintegration of the tooth cover. Plaque collects along your gum line and between your teeth and if it is not removed with daily brushing and flossing or dental cleaning, the bacterial plaque and tarter will cause your gum tissue to get swollen and red. When your gum tissue is inflamed, it also bleeds. This is called gingivitis, the first stage in a very bad disease of the gums. The presence of inflammation of gums for long periods can also allow the plaque and tartar to start destroying the underlying bone structure eventually leading to periodontal disease. This is a more severe and harder form of disease to treat.

Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis are important to maintain a healthy mouth and body. Although regular hygiene visits are important, nothing is more important than how well a person removes the plaque on a daily basis. Brushing after meals and daily flossing is the best defence against gum disease. Use of mouth rinses or mouth washes would be helpful in maintaining better oral hygiene.