There are some things that we would love for you to remember about plaque. While you may already have lots of preventive dental care details memorized (you probably know how often you should brush and floss and see our team for care), you might not really know the reasons behind your efforts. Take heart: Our Ankeny, IA team is here to fill you in on some things you should know, so you can connect the dots, and so you may feel knowledgeable about the care you provide for yourself!
#1: It’s Essentially Your Enemy
We remind you that plaque is not your friend. If anything, it’s your enemy. Why is that, you ask? Well, plaque that you don’t clean away is the leading cause of problems like gingivitis and tooth decay. Once these problems begin, you will require additional care to get your oral health back in good shape. Or, if these issues have a chance to get worse, you can end up with serious concerns and even lose your teeth. It pretty much all begins with plaque.
#2: Plaque Is Easy To Remove
Also referred to as biofilm, plaque is a somewhat sticky substance. It coats your teeth every day and it’s full of bacteria, which is why you end up with issues like gum disease and decay. When you brush it before it has had time to harden, it is something you can easily rinse away. When you floss it, it’s soft enough for complete removal. So, keep up with the suggested dental care of twice-daily dental hygiene.
#3: Plaque Can Turn Into Tartar
You know that part of the reason you’re serious about dental care is the fact that you’re fighting tartar! You really need to prevent it. However, you may wonder: What is it? It’s simple. Plaque is soft. However, if you don’t brush and floss it off of your smile, it hardens. It’s then called tartar or calculus. It’s incredibly hard. You’ll always end up with a tiny little bit of it between visits, which is okay. You just don’t want a lot of it. When we see you, we’ll remove those traces during cleanings!
See Us For Checkups And Cleanings
Don’t forget to schedule preventive care with us and remember that during your visits, we will always be happy to answer your questions, to fill you in on gaps in your dental care at home, and more! Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
