What is Dental Plaque And How Can I Get Rid of It?

Having a healthy smile, with beautiful white teeth will allow you to boost your confidence. But, over time, you will notice that your white teeth have started to turn yellow. This is natural and is caused by the build-up of plaque. But what is plaque and how can you control it? Here are some of the things you need to know.

What Is Dental Plaque?
Plaque is simply another name for the layer of bacteria that can build up on our teeth. When we eat foods or drink sugary liquids, the bacteria will be activated. As they feed, they will produce acids. This coating can break down the enamel in our teeth, which might lead to cavities. If you don’t take any action, the plaque will thicken. This will form tartar, which will require a trip to your local Hornsby dentist to remove.

There are a few signs that you have plaque. You might feel a build-up on your teeth, like a sticky coating. Plaque can also lead to halitosis, which is what is responsible for bad breath. Over time, it can lead to gum disease, causing bleeding in the gums. In extreme cases, the teeth might need to be extracted. 

Controlling Dental Plaque
The good news is that there are a few ways that you can control plaque build-up from home. Here are some techniques you can use.

Flossing Daily
You can limit the amount of acid the bacteria are producing through flossing. This will remove debris from your teeth, stopping the plaque from feeding on them. It’s important to be thorough when you are flossing. You’ll need to go between the teeth, you’ll also need to take the floss underneath the gumline. If you want some advice, you can ask your Hornsby dentist for a demonstration the next time you are in the practice.

Changing Your Diet
Consider your diet. You might find that you are taking in a lot of sugary food and drink. This will accelerate the growth of bacteria and increase the amount of acid they are producing.

Brushing Teeth Regularly
You can control the amount of plaque building up on your teeth by brushing regularly. At least twice daily should be enough to stop plaque from hardening and turning into tartar. Though, if possible, you should brush after every meal. You will need to brush all the surfaces of the teeth, including the top and inside.

Visiting A Dentist
Regular dental check-ups with a dentist in Hornsby are one of the best ways to control plaque. They will be able to do a thorough inspection, checking the condition of your teeth and tracking any areas of concern. They will also be able to do a deep clean, removing plaque and bacteria. Because of this, it’s recommended that you should visit the dentist every six months.

Conclusion
Controlling dental plaque is an important part of your oral health. Simple preventative actions, like regular flossing, frequent brushing, and regular trips to the dentist can limit plaque build-up. This will ensure that you always have a beautiful white smile.

What Role Does Genetics Play in Our Oral Health?

There are many ways that we can control our oral health, like brushing our teeth and getting regular check-ups from a dentist.  But we don’t have power over every aspect of our oral health. Genetics will play a role. Here are some of the elements that your genes will control.

Risk of Gum Disease
Genetics can impact the chances that you will develop gum disease. This is because it controls the way that enamel forms. The enamel is the thin layer that coats your teeth. It will protect them from bacteria.

Your genetic makeup will determine how tough this enamel will be. Softer enamel will make it easier for bacteria to enter your teeth. This can increase the risk of gum disease, which can cause a range of health problems from tooth loss to bad breath. Furthermore, your genes will control your immune system. If you have a weaker immune system, you will be more susceptible to gum disease.

Tooth Color
You likely know that your genetics are responsible for selecting the color of your eyes. But did you know that genes can also control the color of your teeth? This is linked to the amount of enamel you have on your teeth. If you’re lucky, you’ll have thicker enamel for whiter teeth.

Of course, though, there are other factors that influence the color of your teeth. For example, smoking and drinking tea can make your teeth darker. The good news is that your local dentist in Hornsby will offer whitening procedures, so you can get a radiant smile.

Tooth Decay
The rate of tooth decay is determined by the bacteria that you have in your mouth. More specifically, a type of bacteria known as streptococcus mutans. The more of these bacteria, the higher the risks of tooth decay. Your genes are responsible for determining how much bacteria you produce.

Amount of Saliva Produced
Saliva plays an important role within the mouth. It will help keep a balanced pH within your mouth. Eating foods will often raise the acidity level. Plus, your saliva helps spread important minerals, like calcium, throughout your mouth so you can build stronger teeth. Plus, it has antibacterial properties.

Because of this, people who produce less saliva will have a higher risk of cavities and gum diseases. Your genes will control the amount of saliva you produce. For example, women will produce slightly less saliva than their male counterparts.

Alignment
Children will inherit their jawline and facial structure from their parents. Because of this, there is a chance that they will end up with the same alignment problems. This can include things like tooth crowding or crooked teeth. The good news is that a Hornsby dentist will be able to correct any alignment issues.

Conclusion
Your genes play an important role in your oral health. But this isn’t the whole story. It’s also vital to consider lifestyle factors, like smoking, alcohol, and sugary foods. These elements can be more important than genetics. Because of this, it’s best to focus on the things that are within your control. This includes planning regular sessions with a dentist in Hornsby so you can protect your oral health.

Why Putting off Going to the Dentist Can Cause Health Issues

Many people make the mistake of putting off the dentist. Some people can’t find the time for it. Other people may be terrified of the dentist. The problem is that putting off going to the dentist can be a major mistake. Your oral health and your overall health are linked. If you have poor dental health, you can be put at risk for a variety of health conditions that can negatively affect your quality of life. Reading on, you can learn about some health problems that can be associated with poor dental health.

Cardiovascular Disease
When you have poor oral health, this puts you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. With poor oral health, bacteria forms in your gums. The bacteria can enter into the bloodstream, leading to plaque buildup in your arteries. This puts you at a great risk for heart problems, including having a heart attack.

 Respiratory Infection
The bacteria from gum disease can also lead to problems like respiratory infections. The gums can become infected and inflamed, causing the bacteria to spread to the lungs. This causes issues like pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.

Diabetes
When it comes to diabetes, there can be a vicious cycle that you go through. People with diabetes tend to have infected gums more often than those who aren’t diabetic. When it happens, it becomes harder for you to control your sugar levels. Gum disease is also a contributing factor to someone developing diabetes.

Increased Risk for Cancer
Poor oral health can also increase your risk for developing certain cancers. This includes cancers like pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, and kidney cancer. It can also increase your chances of developing throat cancer, especially in those who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products. The dentist will check for signs of oral cancer when you go in for your regular checkups.

Dementia
There is some evidence that gums that are inflamed can release substances that can be very harmful to your brain. The bacteria that enter into the bloodstream can spread into the brain and nerves, leading to problems like memory loss.

Infertility
Gum disease has been linked to fertility problems. Not only can gum disease lead to issues such as infertility, but it can also impact your ability to have a healthy pregnancy. There are many risks to the fetus if the mother has untreated gum disease. This includes low birth weight and preterm labor. Good dental health is as important for the mother as it is for the child that they are pregnant with.
 
Conclusion
Gentle Care Dentistry understands just how important it is to visit the dentist regularly. Even if you think that your teeth are fine, through regular cleanings you can ensure that your teeth are as clean and healthy as possible. This also allows you to catch any problems before they become much more serious. Going to the dentist regularly is a great way to ensure that you avoid many health issues that can be caused by dental health problems.