Plaque is a sticky, colourless layer of bacteria, saliva and food particles that forms on the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque that remains on the teeth and gums causes tooth decay and gum disease. Within 24 to 36 hours, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which is much more difficult to remove.
Plaque and Cavities
Sugary and starchy foods (especially refined foods) are used by plaque to make acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel and starts cavities.
Plaque and Gum Disease
The bacteria in plaque also create substances which irritate the gums making them red, puffy, sore and bleed easily. If gum disease progresses, pockets of infection will form. The result can be loss of bone around roots leading to loose teeth.
Controlling Plaque
Plaque forms continually. As soon as cleaning is completed a new layer of plaque begins to form. So routine brushing and flossing of the teeth is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque can be removed by thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gums at least once a day and, ideally, after every meal. If you only brush once a day, make sure that you brush at bedtime.
Tips for Fighting Plaque
- Brush your teeth thoroughly to clean the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Brush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth. Direct the bristles to where your gums and teeth meet. Use a gentle, circular, massaging motion as you move up and down the teeth. Avoid brushing too hard. Proper brushing should take at least two to three minutes.
- Use a soft brush with rounded bristles. Choose a size and shape that will allow you to clean your back teeth comfortably. Make sure your brush is not worn or frayed. The Canadian Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush every three months.
- Use dental floss to remove the plaque between your teeth and under the gum line, where your brush cannot reach. Dental floss should be used at least once a day.
Flossing
Flossing is a skill that requires a little practice. Don't be discouraged with your first attempts. To start, break off about 35 centimeters of dental floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Then wind the rest around the same finger of the other hand. This finger can then take up the floss as it becomes used. Another method is to knot the ends of floss together forming a circle held with your second, third and fourth fingers. Either way, your thumbs and forefingers then guide the floss between your teeth.
Holding the floss tightly, use a gentle sawing motion to insert it between your teeth. Never "snap" floss into the gums. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Holding the floss tightly against the tooth, scrape it up and down against the side of the tooth. Repeat the process for all your teeth. Be sure to use a clean area of floss for each tooth.
You may have some bleeding and soreness the first few times you floss. Over time, as plaque and bacteria are removed on a regular basis, the gums will start to heal and the bleeding will stop. Speak with your dentist if the bleeding doesn't improve after about a week of regular flossing.
Make flossing a part of your daily routine - do it while you watch TV, listen to music or read a good book.
You can check your results of your cleaning techniques by chewing a "disclosing tablet" (available from your dentist and some pharmacies) around in your mouth. Plaque that has not been removed will become temporarily stained by the disclosing agent. Brush and floss again until all the stained plaque is removed. Make note of the stained areas - these areas should be cleaned more carefully in the future.
