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What is plaque?

Posted on: February 13th, 2018 by The DC Dentist

Most people have heard of the word “plaque,” and know it’s not something you want on your
teeth. Yet, they don’t know what exactly plaque is or how it contributes to dental decay.
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that lives on the surface of your teeth and along the
gumline. It accumulates from normal daily activities such as eating and drinking, especially if
you’ve been consuming a lot of sugars and starches.
Ever had that fuzzy feeling on your teeth that goes away after you give them a good brush?
Yep, that’s plaque.
Plaque is what contributes to dental decay, as bacteria like to consume the sugars in your mouth
and excrete acids that wear away at your tooth enamel.
When you don’t regularly brush and floss away plaque, it forms tartar. Tartar is the calcified
substance on your teeth that only a professional cleaning can remove.

To regularly remove plaque:
1. Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
2. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque that your brush can’t reach.
3. Visit us for your regular dental cleanings.

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