How can I remove plaque from my teeth?

Afro American teen girl opens mouth widely, brushes teeth Your smile requires attention every day to keep it healthy. Many patients don’t realize daily care is needed to achieve and maintain oral health and wellness. This also alleviates the development of problems such as plaque. The dentist at Montefiore Medical Center can evaluate you to help you learn more about caring for your smile to avoid issues such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. One problem often addressed by our team is that of plaque. With a better understanding of what plaque is, how it is terrible for the smile, and what can be done to avoid it, many of our patients are able to enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for life! We encourage you to talk to our dental team about your oral health needs so we can help you in achieving your goals and avoiding problems that may cause irreversible damage to your smile!

What is plaque, and why is it bad for the smile?

Plaque is best described as a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When it is not removed with brushing, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, which is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Plaque and tartar are also major causes of bad breath or halitosis and, when removed, can relieve patients of chronic bad breath that might not otherwise be addressed with brushing, mouthwash, or sugar-free chewing gum.