What is that yellow film on your teeth? Let's talk about dental plaque!

Have you ever felt a little rough, like a little fur coat, on your teeth when you run your tongue over them? Or do you wake up in the morning and your teeth feel sticky with a slight unpleasant taste? When you look in the mirror, have you ever seen something yellow stuck to the roots of your teeth, close to the gums? Don't worry, this is a very common thing for many people. That's what we're going to talk about today, or as it's called in English (Dental Plaque) . Although this is a common thing, if we are not aware of it and do not control it, it can cause great damage to our teeth. So let's talk about everything simply and clearly today.

Simply put, what is dental plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on our teeth. It is actually made up of a large number of bacteria. Imagine that the inside of our mouth is an environment where millions of types of bacteria live. Some of this bacteria are good, but some are harmful to our teeth.

Now look at how this glue is made.

1. We eat: The food we eat, especially things that contain sugar and starch (for example, rice, bread, biscuits, cakes, sweet drinks), leaves particles in our mouths.

2. Bacteria are activated: Harmful bacteria in the mouth make these food particles, especially sugar, their food.

3. Acid production: When these bacteria digest sugar, they produce an acid as a byproduct.

4. Dental plaque is formed: The bacteria, the acid they produce, food particles, and our saliva combine to form this sticky dental plaque.

This sticky film is like a safe haven for bacteria to live in. Because it sticks to the teeth, it doesn't come off with regular mouthwash. To remove it, we have to brush our teeth.

What is the difference between dental plaque and tartar?

This is where many people get confused. Dental adhesive and stone are not the same thing, they are two different things.

• Dental Plaque: This is the initial stage. It is a soft, sticky film. You can remove this plaque almost completely by brushing and flossing your teeth daily.

• Tartar/Calculus: Now imagine that you haven't brushed your teeth properly for a few days. Then the soft gum layer on the teeth, combined with the minerals in our saliva, gradually hardens and becomes hard like a stone. That hardened state is what we call 'tartar'.

Although the tartar is initially yellow, over time, it can turn dark brown, sometimes even black, due to the tea, coffee, and smoking you drink. They mostly form on the inside of the lower teeth and the outside of the upper teeth.

How do I know if I have dental glue?

Because dental sealant is colorless, it can sometimes be hard to see. But you can recognize it by these characteristics.

What happens if you don't take care of dental glue?

If you ignore dental sealants thinking, "Oh, this is just a small thing," it can lead to a lot of serious problems. Just like a small spark can turn into a big fire.

• Cavities: As I mentioned earlier, bacteria in the gums produce acid. This acid slowly begins to eat away at the enamel, the hard outer covering of your teeth. Over time, the enamel dissolves and a cavity forms in the tooth. That's what we call tooth decay.

• Gum Disease: This is one of the most dangerous consequences of dental bonding.
• Stage 1 - Gingivitis: When plaque builds up at the gum line, the gums become inflamed. This means they become red, swollen, and bleed when you brush your teeth. This is the first stage of gum disease. The best part is that at this stage, proper brushing and dental cleanings can completely cure this condition.
• Severe stage - Periodontitis: If you don't treat Gingivitis, it can develop into a more serious condition called Periodontitis. This is when the infection spreads through the gums and destroys the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. This can lead to a pocket between the tooth and the gum, which can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

• Abscessed tooth: Tooth decay can penetrate deep into the tooth, causing an infection at the root of the tooth. This is a condition that causes extreme pain.

• Bad Breath: As the glue builds up, the bad breath also increases.

What can we do at home to control dental plaque?

Fortunately, dental plaque is something we can manage very successfully at home. It doesn't require anything major, just a few simple daily habits.

1. Brushing your teeth properly

This is the most important thing.

• Brush your teeth twice a day: at least in the morning and before going to bed at night, for at least two minutes .
• The right toothpaste: Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride . Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces bacterial activity.
• A soft brush: Many people think that brushing with a hard brush will clean their teeth properly. That's wrong. Brushing with a hard brush can damage your gums and teeth. So always choose a soft-bristled brush.
• The right way: Place the brush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth and gums meet, and brush gently in small, circular motions. Make sure to brush all of the chewing surfaces, backs, and insides of your teeth.

2. Floss daily

The bristles of the brush can't reach the narrow spaces between two teeth. That's where the most glue and food particles get stuck.

• Flossing is the process of cleaning between your teeth using a special string. Flossing at least once a day, especially before you go to bed, can help remove plaque that your toothbrush cannot remove. You can buy dental floss at pharmacies. If you don't know how to use it, ask your dentist.

3. Diet

What you eat directly affects the health of your teeth.

• Reduce sugar and starch: Reduce your intake of sugary drinks, toffee, chocolate, cakes, and biscuits as much as possible. If you do eat these, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth immediately.
• Eat good things: Vegetables, fruits (like apples and carrots), cheese, milk, and yogurt are good for your teeth. They increase saliva production and help reduce the acidity in your mouth.

4. Visiting the dentist

No matter how well you brush your teeth, there may still be some areas where plaque can remain and turn into tartar.

• It is very important to see a dentist at least once a year for a check-up and professional cleaning (scaling and polishing). If you have gum disease, your doctor may ask you to come in every 6 months. Don't be afraid to see your doctor and get advice.

Dental Plaque, Dental Stone, Tartar, Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Gingivitis, How to Brush Your Teeth, Dental Health