How to Prevent Plaque Build Up

By David Rowe | Published on January 24, 2012 | 0 Comments

When it comes to preventing the build up of plaque, there is no substitute for regular brushing and flossing. According to Port Charlotte, FL, dentist Dr. David Rowe of Paradise Dental, no amount of dental checkups or professional cleanings can replace good at-home oral care.

Of course, proper brushing and flossing by itself is not enough for every patient who walks into Dr. Rowe’s office. The Port Charlotte, FL, dentist says some people can brush correctly, floss efficiently, use the right toothpaste, and still end up with plaque or tartar deposits on their teeth.

For people who have never seen plaque before, the substance can usually be described as a colorless film made of bacteria. Plaque that is left on the teeth for too long turns into tartar. In making the transition from plaque to tartar, the colorless film turns into a mineral that is yellow or brown. This yellow or brown mineral is noticeable along the tops of the teeth – where the teeth meet the gums – if people look closely enough.

Once the plaque has hardened and turned into tartar, only a Port Charlotte, FL, dentist or hygienist can remove it. The process of removing this tartar is called scaling, and it is typically done during semi-annual dental checkups and cleanings. During a professional cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will use a special instrument to remove tartar from the teeth and below the gum line. People who fail to visit their dentist in Port Charlotte, FL, on a regular basis will inevitably get tartar build up, which detracts from the beauty of the natural smile.

Although the majority of dental patients will visit the dentist for professional cleanings once every six months, Dr. Rowe says certain factors can make it necessary for some patients to come in more frequently. Patients taking certain medications or suffering from a number of systemic diseases may be advised to come in once every three months, four months, or six months depending on the severity of their individual situations.

In between those professional cleanings and dental appointments, Dr. Rowe recommends that patients use over-the-counter mouth rinses as a way to reduce the amount of plaque in their mouths. These rinses should ideally be used at least once each day for the best results.

For more information on preventing plaque and eliminating tartar, Dr. Rowe recommends that patients in Port Charlotte, FL, contact his office and schedule their own consultation appointments.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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