In the past, it was popular belief that it was
normal to lose your teeth with age, but now scientific research and modern dentistry
have discovered that tooth loss isn’t an inevitable result of old
age. In truth, when we take proper care of our teeth and gums, and see
our dentist on a regular basis, it is possible to enjoy healthy teeth
throughout our entire lives!
What is plaque and what does it do to our teeth? The mouth is full of invisible
germs that not only stick to the teeth, but they are harmful substances
that can lead to
tooth decay and
gum disease. If your gums are red, puffy or bleeding, beware: this could be the early
signs of gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can destroy
the tissues that hold your teeth in place, thereby leading to tooth loss.
Dental Plaque is Difficult to See
It is not easy to see dental plaque with the naked eye. However, it can
be seen if it’s stained. One way to see plaque is to purchase red
“disclosing tablets” from a local drug or grocery store and
to chew them. Another way is to take a Q-tip and put green food coloring
on it. From there, you can smear the dyed cotton swab on your teeth and
then the plaque will become visible.
If you want to keep an eye on your plaque buildup, you can stain your teeth
red or green regularly following one of the above processes, and the stain
will show you were it’s been left behind and where you need to brush
to remove it.
Tips on preventing plaque:
- Floss every day before going to bed
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
-
Have your teeth
professionally cleaned twice a year
- Have your teeth examined by a dentist twice a year
Another way to gently remove plaque is to use a dental pick, which is made
out of wood or plastic. You can purchase these in the toothbrush section
of your local grocery store, drug store, or super store.
To schedule a free consultation with our Ventura County dentist,
call (805) 295-8896 today!