If you’ve ever seen a toothpaste, floss or mouthwash commercial on television, then you’ve definitely heard the word “plaque” before. You’ve probably also heard that plaque is generally considered a bad thing -- an enemy of oral health. But in spite of this cursory exposure, you still might not know exactly what plaque is or how exactly it can harm teeth and gums. Well, today is your lucky day. We here at the
Elmhurst dentist practice of Best Care Family Dental put a premium on educating our patients so that they will be better able to recognize oral health problems in their early stages and also to prevent oral health problems in the first place.
Dental Health Elmhurst
Let’s start by answering the question of what plaque is. Basically it is a film of bacteria that covers teeth when people don’t brush enough. (We all know that sticky feeling our teeth have when we’ve been eating surgery food and haven’t had a chance to tend to your dental hygiene like we normally would.) The reason letting plaque build up is bad is that, because it’s made of bacteria, it can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. In addition to brushing and flossing two times every day, there are some other countermeasures you can take to combat the scourge of plaque. First, you can add an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene rituals. Second, you can avoid sugary foods and eat lots of vegetables like celery, which help neutralize plaque. Finally, you can come into the
Elmhurst dentist office of Best Care Family Dental for checkups every six months for a professional cleaning. (When you come in, you might also want to ask your doctor about whether or not you might benefit from the added protection of a dental sealant.)
Now that you know a little bit more about plaque, take action! If you’ve been slacking on brushing and flossing, make 2014 the year you take your oral hygiene seriously. Also, if it’s been awhile since you’ve made your way to Best Care Family Dental for a comprehensive exam, give our
Elmhurst dentist office a call today to schedule an appointment. Your smile will thank you!
Dental Plaque Elmhurst
88-09 Northern Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
718-475-6525
By Green Garden Dental
January 15, 2014
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