We don’t like to think about it but there are countless numbers of bacteria that live in our mouths. Most of them are not there to do us any favors which is why keeping our teeth clean and free of dental plaque is so important.

Dental plaque is a biofilm that is formed on your teeth by the bacteria that live in your mouth. When you eat and drink you are not only feeding yourself, you are feeding those bacteria — they especially love anything sweet and sticky. As those bacteria grow and thrive they form colonies which attach themselves to the closest smooth surface, your teeth!

Our teeth rely on us to clean their surfaces regularly so that we remove the biofilm and its bacteria. The biofilm starts out very soft and is easily removed, after about 2 days it starts to harden and in a little over a week it turns into tartar (dental calculus) a rock hard substance that requires a professional cleaning to remove. Left alone, these oral bacteria will cause tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

If you want to see the plaque in your mouth you can pick up “disclosing tablets” at a drugstore.  When you chew the tablet it stains the plaque so you can see where you are missing areas when you brush and floss. Most of us are better at brushing than flossing but they are both equally important. Floss targets the areas that your toothbrush can’t reach removing food debris and breaking up those bacteria colonies.

If you are unsure about your brushing and flossing technique ask your dental hygienist at your next cleaning — they are more than happy to give lessons.  Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your appointment.